Can the Arrow Staple Anchoring Device be used in MRI?

The Arrow Staple Anchoring Device is made of 316 Low Carbon Vacuum Melted (LVM) stainless steel which is non-ferro-magnetic(1). The 316L series stainless steels are also used to manufacture the majority of cardiovascular stents(2).

The staple may induce alterations of the local magnetic field and lead to a loss of signal in the surrounding tissue(3).

(1) Abbott Ball. Stainless Steel. Physical Properties and Characteristics. Available at:
http://www.abbottball.com/products/steel.asp

(2) Shellock FG, Morisoli S, Kanal E. MR procedures and biomedical implants, materials and devices. Radiology 1993;189:587-599

(3) Jost C, Kumar V. Are current Cardiovascular stents MRI Safe? Available at:
See PubMed

Can we use the sideport of an indwelling sheath introducer to do blood draws?

Mechanically, sheath introducers are a single lumen system indicated for venous access. Clinicians should follow the same techniques as used with any CVC to maintain patency. If the catheter through the valve is withdrawn and the sheath introducer is left indwelling, an obturator must be used to guard against any potential bleeding or air embolism.

What is the function of the obturator on the Percutaneous Sheath Introducer products? Is there a danger to the patient if the obturator is not placed into the Introducer upon removal of an indwelling catheter? Are these obturators available separately?

The Hemostasis Valves in Arrow Percutaneous Sheath Introducers must be occluded at all times to minimize the risk of patient air embolism or hemorrhage. If catheter introduction is delayed, or the catheter is removed, temporarily cover valve opening with sterile-gloved finger until a catheter or obturator is inserted. Use an Arrow obturator, either included with the introducer or sold separately, as a dummy catheter with hemostasis valve/sideport assembly and sheath. This will ensure that leakage does not occur and the inner seal is protected from contamination. Two types of obturators are sold separately: Product # AO-07000 Arrow sheath obturator 5 1/2" (14cm) long and # AO-09000 Arrow Hemostasis Valve Short Obturator. Both are for use with Arrow 8.5 and 9.0 Fr Sheath Valve Assemblies.