1995 Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 251-255
The diameter and length of descending thoracic aorta in 64 cases of Kawasaki disease were measured at angiography. The diameter and length of descending aorta were correlated to the body length. According to these results, we developed small intraaortic balloons (2, 5, 7 and 10cc) mounted on small catheters (3.6, 4.5, 5.1 and 6.0Fr.). These newly developed balloon catheters have undergone in vitro testing in comparison with Datascope balloon catheters. The inflation time and deflation time of the new balloon were shorter than those of Datascope balloon. Inflation and deflation of the new balloon could match heart rates of 180 bpm. The results of this study demonstrate that the newly developed balloon catheters are suitable for pediatric use.
