Prototype for an organ system (liver) localization cardiovascular catheter

摘要

This study describes the function and potential clinical utility of a sensor which can serve as a guidance mechanism allowing for the selective cannulation of the hepatic venous system without the need for additional imaging technology. The sensor is based upon a homogeneous affinity fluorescence assay system utilizing the lectin Ricinus cummunis agglutinin I and covalently linked to the fluorophol Alexa 488 and its conjugate polydextran labeled with rhodamine and lactose. The affinity between these two macromolecules is sensitive to ambient galactose concentration which exists as a steep gradient at the hepatic venous/vena caval junction allowing this anatomic region to be discriminated from irrelevant regions. This sensor system permits venous access for additional monitoring approaches such as venous oximetry.