AN IMPROVED VALVE-SPREADING CATHETER FOR PRODUCING REVERSIBLE GRADED ACUTE AORTIC REGURGITATION

A valve-spreading catheter capable of producing graded reversible acut e aortic regurgitation has been described. We modified this device to improve its safety and steerability. The modified valve-spreading cath eter was composed of a removable core flexible guidewire and a caged c atheter. The guidewire could easily and safely be steered into the lef t ventricle. The caged catheter could then be advanced over the guidew ire to the aortic valve area with greater safety and ease. Opening of the caged catheter resulted in graded reversible acute aortic regurgit ation. The modified valve-spreading catheter was used in 5 anesthetize d mongrel dogs to create reversible graded acute aortic regurgitation demonstrating its safety, and thus its utility. This device qualifies as an ideal instrument for creating variable and transient acute aorti c regurgitation in intact animals.