Interventional Radiology: Venous
Venous Catheter / Port Contrast Injection and Stripping

A contrast injection into a catheter / port under fluoroscopic x-ray will show if a clot or tissue (fibrin sheath) has formed around the exiting end of the catheter or port impairing its function. When the contrast is injected, it is normal for the patient to feel a warm sensation. If the catheter or port is not clogged and is working normally, the patient may go home after the injection. If a clot or fibrin sheath is detected, it can be removed (stripping) in the same setting by the radiologist without removing the catheter or port.

Stripping involves placement a small tube into a vessel in the groin area of the leg. In preparation for procedure, the tube insertion site is washed and sometimes shaved. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic, usually Lidocaine. Some patients are administered conscious / IV sedation. Patients should only feel pressure as the catheter is inserted through a small (1/4 inch) incision.

Under fluoroscopic x-ray guidance, the radiologist guides a tiny wire with a loop on the end through the tube to the tip of the catheter/port. Once the wire is in position, the radiologist can "lasso" the catheter / port tip and pull off the clot or fibrin sheath. Once the fibrin sheath or clot is removed another contrast injection is administered (through the port) and x-ray images are taken to evaluate for proper flow. The small tube in your leg is removed and firm pressure is applied for 10 to 20 minutes or until bleeding stops around the puncture site.