Ash Access and AngioDynamics present positive results of Centros catheter

The study has confirmed that the catheter provides highly acceptable flow rates at modest negative pressure without deterioration in flow rate over seven weeks of use, even with tips positioned in the superior vena cava (SVC) rather than within the right atrium. Flow rates for Centros at the seven week follow-up point was 401mL/min, compared to a control group of competitive catheters at 348mL/min. (p < 0.05). Nine end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients participated in the trial at four study sites. Catheters were placed under local anesthesia, fluoroscopy and ultrasound guidance and tips were in the lower third of the SVC. Patients immediately used the catheter for outpatient dialysis, three times per week. One of the nine self-centering catheters was removed due to a presumed exit infection, and one was removed when it was no longer needed.