Reviews

Reviewed by Dr Phil Haslam Reviewed Aug 24, 2010

Consultant Interventional Radiologist, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - No Conflict Declared

Editor Rating

This is a locking pigtail catheter with Cook's Mac-Loc system for holding the locking thread in place. This locking pigtail catheter is made from ultrathane which Cook claim is flexible yet kink resistant. The catheter has a hydrophilic coating making it easier to introduce.

 

Features

This is a locking pigtail catheter with Cook's Mac-Loc system for holding the locking thread in place.

 

Design/construction

This locking pigtail catheter is made from ultrathane which Cook claim is flexible yet kink resistant. The catheter has a hydrophilic coating making it easier to introduce.

In Use

The catheter can be inserted over a wire or using the trocar 'pig on a stick' technique.

I have used the 8.5 F tube for numerous nephrostomies where the catheter will probably stay in for longer than usual prior to stenting/definative treatment. This is often patients who are septic or are more prone to catheter dislodgement.

The Mac-Loc system (see pics) is easy to use. The thread is pulled tight once the wire and trocar are removed. The thread is then wrapped a few times around the protruding locking arm which is then pushed down to snap into position locking the thread. The excess thread can be cut free.

Device removal is easiest by cutting the tube to release the thread. The Mac-Loc can be lifted up to release the thread but I find urine incrustation may well make the thread a little harder to release this way.

The only minor irritation I have is when aspirating (prior to locking) air is sucked up into the syringe through the lock and some leakage occurs around the lock. The solution is to lock the tube prior to aspiration (if this matters to you).

If you are considering longer term PCN, then I would use the larger 10 or 12 F version as they will last longer prior to requiring change. All PCN tubes will encrust and become dificult to remove if left for long enough.

Conclusion

Simple to use locking pigtail in a variety of sizes. Useful for PCN and abscess drainage.

 

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