A PRESSURE-RECORDING GUIDEWIRE FOR MEASURING ARTERIAL TRANSSTENOTIC GRADIENTS - IN-VIVO VALIDATION

Rationale and Objectives. We used an 0.018-inch guidewire with a press ure sensor to measure arterial transstenotic pressure gradients. Our a im was to evaluate the pressure-recording properties of this device in vivo. Methods. Stenoses in the common carotid artery of piglets were created with external cylindrical constrictors. Pressures and pressure gradients were measured with the pressure wire and compared with refe rence measurements and with a 3.1-French fluid-filled catheter. Result s. The averages of several pressure measurements were close to the ref erence, but there were individual deviations. Twenty-nine percent of z ero-corrected systolic measurements deviated more than 5 mm Hg from th e reference, and 10% deviated more than 10 mm Hg. Errors canceled out somewhat in gradient measurements. Conclusion. Although some measureme nt errors were found, the guidewire represents an important new concep t for gradient measurements. The small diameter minimizes gradient aug mentation caused by the measuring device lying across the stenosis. Fu rther refinement would increase its usefulness.