PERFORMANCE OF ANGIOGRAPHIC CATHETERS

Simple methods of quantifying selected physical characteristics of ang iographic catheters, which an likely to influence their in vivo perfor mance have been developed. The torsional stiffness ('torque') of cathe ters was measured, and tip control ('manoeuvrability') in an angiograp hic phantom was studied. Both braided and unbraided catheters were inv estigated all having the 'headhunter' tip shape. Significant differenc es between measurements made at 20 and 37 degrees C were found. Torsio nal stiffness was not a good predictor of performance in the angiograp hic phantom. Ethylene oxide re-sterilization has only a limited effect on the physical characteristics studied.