Drainage catheters: in vitro comparison of internal retention mechanisms.

In five drainage catheters, internal retention mechanisms (locking pigtail [14 and 8 F], inflatable balloon [14 F], or wings [14 and 24 F]) were evaluated for resistance to and distortion from dislodgment. Catheters were inserted into simulated tissue, and weight was added until dislodgment occurred. Resistance to dislodgment increased when the mechanisms were locked; the locking pigtail supported the most weight. Distortion caused by dislodgment was minimal.