PTCA IN ANGULATED SEGMENTS - EFFECTS OF BALLOON MATERIAL, BALLOON LENGTH, AND INFLATION SEQUENCE ON STRAIGHTENING FORCES IN AN IN-VITRO MODEL

We sought to determine the effect of balloon material, balloon length, and inflation sequence on the straightening forces generated during p ercutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in angulated segm ents, Using an in vitro model consisting of a curved channel (3/4 '' r adius) with a displaceable pressure sensor, we examined four different balloon materials: compliant (POC), semicompliant (PE600 and Duralyn) , and noncompliant (PET), two balloon lengths (20 mm and 40 mm), and t wo inflation sequences (rapid and slow) with continuous recording of s traightening force during each balloon inflation. Three balloons were tested for each combination of material, length, and inflation sequenc e, Long balloons exerted significantly lower straightening forces, The re were significantly higher straightening forces with noncompliant, p articularly short, balloons. Varying the inflation sequence had no sig nificant effect. For PTCA in angulated segments: (1) long balloons pro duce lower straightening force, (2) noncompliant balloons produce high er straightening force, particularly with short balloons, and (3) vary ing the inflation sequence has no significant effect on straightening force. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.