| Abstract: | Serial sampling from the coronary sinus is an attractive technique for drawing blood samples to be used in the characterization of procoagulant activity during coronary interventions. We have developed a modified Simmons catheter for rapid cannulation of the coronary sinus from the femoral approach. The catheter design incorporates heparin bonding and distal side-holes to minimize blood sampling artifacts. Coronary sinus cannulation was performed via the femoral approach in 186 patients by use of a multipurpose catheter (n = 8), an unmodified Simmons I or II catheter (n = 64), or the modified Simmons catheter (n = 114). The coronary sinus was cannulated successfully with the modified Simmons catheter in 97% of patients; the success rate with the unmodified Simmons II catheter was 87% (P = 0.02). The modified Simmons catheter represents an improved technique for cannulation of the coronary sinus from the femoral vein. © Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
