title: Shapability, memory, and luminal changes in microcatheters after steam shaping: a comparison of 11 different microcatheters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of shaped microcatheters, including shapability, durability, and luminal changes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven brands of steam-shaped microcatheters and one brand of preshaped microcatheter were evaluated. There were 2 nonreinforced and 10 reinforced devices supported by coils. For evaluation of shapability, the tip angle of 6 samples of each brand were measured after steam-shaping for 20 seconds with a shaping mandrel bent at a 90 degrees or 150 degrees angle. The ability to maintain the shaped angle after guidewire insertion stress (durability) was compared by calculation of the change in the tip angle by using 3 samples of each brand. Luminal change after steam shaping was evaluated by calculation of narrowing rate of the smallest diameter and observation of the surface morphology of the mold of each catheter lumen by using a silicone polymer by means of a fluorescent projection method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The nonreinforced microcatheters and the fiber-braided microcatheter showed higher shapability than the others. The degree of distal microcatheter straightening with the microguidewire insertion was less pronounced in the preshaped microcatheter and the fiber-braided microcatheter. Spontaneous recovery to the initial tip angle 5 minutes after the guidewire procedure was observed in 10 brands to various degrees (87%-98%). Irregular luminal surface morphology at the angled portion was found in 6 reinforced brands. One nonreinforced catheter and the fiber-braided catheter showed high narrowing rates >6%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are differences in shapabilty, durability, and luminal changes of steam shaping in 12 brands of microcatheters. These characteristics could be important factors in catheter choice for endovascular procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Hasama, Oita, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiro
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kiyosue
authors.forename: Yuzo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hori
authors.forename: Shunro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Mika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okahara
authors.forename: Syuichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tanoue
authors.forename: Yoshiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sagara
authors.forename: Hiromu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mori
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization / Q000145:classification / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004389:Durable Medical Equipment / Q000592:standards; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D013227:Steam
chemical_list: D013227:Steam