Antithrombogenic catheter coated with heparinized hydrophilic polymer (H-RSD) has been developed. After the experiments in animals, this catheter has been used in patients as the indwelling catheter in the central vein for transfusion or hyperalimentation. Thrombus formation due to the catheters were examined clinically by pullout venography, and by scanning electromicroscopy of the surface of these catheters after removal from the patients. Thrombus formation due to the catheter made of polyvinyl chrolide, polyethylen, and compared with results in H-RSD catheters. Fibrin sleeve fomation and the thrombus of the venous wall was much less than other catheters. We also found that thrombus in and around the catheters could be a good media for the growth of microorganisms.
