A new catheter type for superselective angiography and embolization.
PURPOSE AND MATERIAL: A new family of catheters was developed to overcome the shortcomings of conventional catheters and to avoid the use of coaxial catheters in superselective angiography and embolization. The new catheter is nylon, 1.67 mm (JF) long, and has a rigid proximal part (to ensure torque control and pushability) and a long 2-step flexible tip (to follow arterial tortuosities). It has a hydrophilic coating, and a long-lasting shape memory. This new catheter type was compared experimentally with conventional catheters.


RESULTS
Clear advantages were found with the new catheters in pushability and trackability as they, more often than conventional catheters, permitted us to reach the periphery of an artery. Departmental experience with the new catheters currently amounts to over 500 arterial procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
The new catheters could frequently replace coaxial catheters, which would contribute towards reducing the costs of intravascular procedures.
Hoogewoud
H M
HM
Department of Radiology, Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland.
D000792:Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans