Catheter Introducer Kit
Electro-Catheter
FDA Clearance Information
The catheter introducer kit was cleared by the FDA via the 510k pathway on March 16, 1977. It is manufactured by Electro-Catheter and classified as a Class 2 device.
What It Is
FDA-Cleared Indications
- Facilitate the percutaneous introduction of catheters into the vascular system.
- Provide vascular access for placement of diagnostic or therapeutic catheters, including pulmonary artery catheters.
- Use in procedures requiring catheter access to the central or peripheral vascular system.
Clinical Applications
- Introduction of pulmonary artery catheters.
- Establishing vascular access for diagnostic catheterization.
- Establishing vascular access for therapeutic endovascular catheter procedures.
- Catheter insertion in critical care, cardiology and other settings requiring vascular access.
Reported off-label uses
- Access for interventional radiology procedures such as arterial embolization, when the specific kit and components are suitable for the procedure.
- Access for neurointerventional procedures, when the device is compatible with the required catheter system and vessel size.
Off-label use: these uses are reported in practice or the literature but are not part of the FDA-cleared indications. Physicians may use a cleared device off-label based on their medical judgment; the manufacturer may not promote off-label uses.
Evidence Summary
Reported Outcomes
Safety Profile
Evidence Limitations
Practical Considerations
- Select the introducer sheath diameter and length to match the catheter, guidewire and target vessel; available sizes vary by product configuration.
- Confirm compatibility among the sheath, dilator, guidewire and catheter before use.
- Use sterile technique and flush components as directed to reduce thrombus formation and air entry.
- Potential complications include bleeding, hematoma, vessel injury, thrombosis, infection and air embolism.
- MRI safety depends on the specific components and materials. Review the current product labeling; do not assume MRI compatibility based only on the device category.
Procedures that use this device
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the clinical indications for catheter introducer kit?
The catheter introducer kit is indicated for use in procedures requiring vascular access, such as the introduction of pulmonary artery catheters.
What outcomes have been reported in clinical studies?
The studies primarily report on safety concerns, specifically the risk of air embolism associated with the device.
What complications have been reported?
Safety data from the evidence indicate that air embolism is a reported complication associated with the use of the catheter introducer kit.