Late, Heparin-Induced Bleeding after Retrograde Arterial Catheterization

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Three patients with ball-valve prostheses were given heparin after percutaneous retrograde aortic catheterization from the femoral artery. The drug was given prophylactically in one case and because of the development of signs of systemic embolism soon after catheterization in the other two. After 3 or more days of heparin therapy, serious bleeding developed at the site of percutaneous catheter entry. The timing and incidence of this complication are in marked contrast to experience with this procedure in individuals who did not receive heparin. Preliminary experience is presented from right and left heart catheterizations in patients whose prothrombin-proconvertin times were allowed to remain in or near the therapeutic range. No hemorrhagic complications were observed.