Recanalization of arterial occlusions using a specially designed steering catheter

Guide wires alone and straight or general purpose angiography catheters can be poorly directed when used for the recanalization of atherosclerotic occlusions of lower extremity arteries. To overcome this problem, a special catheter was designed to improve the steering of guide wires. The catheter has a 5F diameter and a lumen for a 0.035 inch guide wire. A metallic mesh layer within the wall provides good torque control and a soft and angled low profile tip allows steering of the guide wire by rotation of the catheter. This catheter was tested in 48 patients; 3 having iliac artery occlusions, 40 superficial femoral artery occlusions and 5 popliteal artery occlusions. The primary recanalization success rate was 88%. This type of catheter has proven to be very helpful in routine recanalization and balloon dilatation.