title: Coronary angioplasty guidewire technology.
abstract: The technology of coronary guide wires has advanced rapidly since Simpson and Robert performed the first angioplasty with a movable guidewire system in 1981. The technology involved in engineering guidewires encompasses three areas: (1) selection of materials, (2) design of the configuration, and (3) development of the construction process to fabricate the guidewire. Each of these areas must be considered concurrently; that is, the functional effects of manufacturing a wire must be considered along with material selection and configuration design. Another critical area is functional testing to ensure safe and effective performance of the guidewire in the clinical setting and to confirm its functional limits. Research is directed continually toward advancing existing guidewire technology to improve functional performance and develop more efficient manufacturing processes. Additionally under development are new guidewire devices incorporating microsensors and fiberoptics to provide real-time feedback. Advances in technology require miniaturization of guidewire components and application of new materials and processes to manufacture new designs.
mesh_terms: D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans