Technical feasibility and performance studies of a Doppler guide wire for potential neuroendovascular applications.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct technical feasibility and performance studies on a new Doppler-tipped, 0.014-inch micro-guide wire for potential neuroendovascular applications.


METHODS
In vivo microcatheterizations of brachiocephalic arteries were performed in two swine using the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire and a commonly used microcatheter. A standardized, bench-top method of evaluating basic mechanical properties of micro-guide wires was also used to compare the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire with a commonly used micro-guide wire.


RESULTS
The 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire had similar steerability, tractability, torque control, and distal tip flexibility to the commonly used micro-guide wire in the in vivo simulations. Frequent micro-guide wire exchanges were possible without loss of superselective positioning of the microcatheter. Bench-top testing showed the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire to have comparable distal tip flexibility and stiffness to the commonly used micro-guide wire.


CONCLUSIONS
The comparable subjective and objective mechanical properties of the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire to that of a commonly used micro-guide wire further establishes the possibility of clinical implementation of the device.
Chaloupka
J C
JC
Endovascular Therapy Service, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Mountain View.
Viñuela
F
F
Malanum
R P
RP
Ji
C
C
Goller
D E
DE
Robert
J
J
Duckwiler
G
G
D000818:Animals; D016122:Brachiocephalic Trunk / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008438:Maxillary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013552:Swine; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000295:instrumentation*