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Use of 3 French catheters for diagnostic and interventional procedures in newborns and small infants

Miniaturisation of diagnostic and interventional tools is of main interest for cardiac catheterization of newborns and small infants, due to the limited vascular access of these patients. Since January 2001 to November 2002, we performed 11 diagnostic and 5 interventional procedures in 15 infants, utilising custom-made 3 F sheaths and catheters. The median age and weight of the patients were 7 days (range 1-180) and 2.8 kg (range 2-4), respectively. Diagnostic catheterizations gave the required information in all cases. Angiography was performed following the results of in vitro pressure to volume tests. Blood sampling was possible by using gentle aspiration. Pressure measurement, although showing some dumping, allowed the evaluation of peak to peak gradient through right and left ventricular outflow tracts. It was always possible to perform an interventional procedure, when required. No procedural complications occurred. The price for a diagnostic or interventional procedure performed with 3 F sheath and catheters exceeded of 23 euros that of a procedure performed with material measuring 4 F or more. Patients underwent echographic examination of femoral vessels at a median follow-up of 6.3 months (range 2-10 months). All vessels of the examined patients were patent, without stenosis nor collateral circulation. In conclusion, preliminary results utilising 3 F sheaths and catheters are encouraging, in terms of feasibility of diagnostic and interventional procedures, absence of procedural complications and preservation of vascular access. Financial implications are not of major concern.