Abstract 12712: Safety of Latex Containing Swan-Ganz Catheters in Patients With Cutaneous Hypersensitivity to Latex

• Published in: Circulation (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2023-11, Vol.148 (Suppl_1)
• Main Authors: Houtz, Brady, Round, Kellen J, Slota, Paul J, Scharf, Michael L, Ford, Megan K, Fischman, David L, shah, mahek, Ruggiero, Nicholas J, Vishnevsky, Alec, Price, Jordan, Savage, Michael P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0009-7322; 1524-4539
• DOI: 10.1161/circ.148.suppl_1.12712

Abstract only Introduction: Hypersensitivity to latex is common. Balloon-tipped right heart catheters are typically made from latex. Latex-free catheters while available have limitations including the need for large sized vascular sheaths. It is unknown if latex balloon catheters can be safely used in patients who have cutaneous reactions to latex. Goals: The goal of this study was to assess the safety of using latex-containing catheters for right heart catheterization (RHC) in patients with a prior history of cutaneous allergy to latex. Methods: Electronic medical records and cardiac catheterization procedure database identified 127 consecutive patients with a history of cutaneous hypersensitivity (rash, urticaria) to latex who underwent RHC with balloon-tipped catheters. Patients with known anaphylaxis to latex were excluded. The primary outcome was the occurrence of periprocedural hypersensitivity reactions. Outcomes of patients with latex-containing catheters (LC Group, n=99) were compared to patients with latex-free catheters (LF Group, n=28). Results: The study population consisted of 28 men and 99 women, aged 65 + 14 years. Indications for RHC were heart failure in 48 (38%), pulmonary hypertension in 25 (20%), cardiomyopathy in 19 (15%), valvular heart disease in 19 (15%), unexplained dyspnea in 13 (10%), and heart transplant in 2 (2%). LC and LF patients had comparable demographics, cardiac risk factors, and indications for RHC. In-body catheter exposure times in the LC and LF groups were 8.6 + 5.0 and 9.7 + 6.1 minutes, respectively (p=ns). Venous sheath sizes were smaller in the LC group; sheaths < 5 Fr were used in 52/99 (53%) of the LC group vs. 0/28 in the LF group (p