title: Microcatheters: A valuable tool in the presence of a challenging coronary anatomy in the setting of acute coronary interventions. Case report and mini review.
abstract: Popularity of microcatheters (MCs) is growing among interventional cardiologists, especially when complex coronary anatomy is involved. However, MCs are still considered by many as a niche tool and their value in common clinical practice and in the setting of acute coronary interventions has not been fully appreciated. This case report highlights the decisive role of MC use in the successful completion of a primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Characteristics and indications of the most commonly used MC are briefly discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Karalis
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. Electronic address: C.Andreou@lumc.nl.
authors.forename: Constantinos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Andreou
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jose M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Montero Cabezas
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Martin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Schalij
mesh_terms: D062906:Cardiac Catheters; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008904:Miniaturization; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000072657:ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Coronary artery disease; Microcatheters; Primary interventions; ST elevation myocardial infarction