title: Performance of angiographic catheters.
abstract: Simple methods of quantifying selected physical characteristics of angiographic catheters, which are likely to influence their in vivo performance, have been developed. The torsional stiffness ('torque') of catheters was measured, and tip control ('manoeuvrability') in an angiographic phantom was studied. Both braided and unbraided catheters were investigated all having the 'headhunter' tip shape. Significant differences between measurements made at 20 and 37 degrees C were found. Torsional stiffness was not a good predictor of performance in the angiographic phantom. Ethylene oxide re-sterilization has only a limited effect on the physical characteristics studied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics and Medical Engineering, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Sellar
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D004202:Disinfectants; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005027:Ethylene Oxide; D005544:Forecasting; D008422:Materials Testing; D008961:Models, Structural; D012399:Rotation; D013242:Sterilization; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D005027:Ethylene Oxide