TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES OF A DOPPLER GUIDE-WIREFOR POTENTIAL NEUROENDOVASCULAR APPLICATIONS

PURPOSE: To conduct technical feasibility and performance studies on a new Doppler-tipped, 0.014-inch micro-guide wire for potential neuroen dovascular applications. METHODS: In vivo microcatheterizations of bra chiocephalic arteries were performed in two swine using the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire and a commonly used microcatheter. A standardized, bench-top method of evaluating basic mechanical properties of micro-g uide wires was also used to compare the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire with a commonly used micro-guide wire. RESULTS: The 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire had similar steerability, tractability, torque control, an d distal tip flexibility to the commonly used micro-guide wire in the in vivo simulations. Frequent micro-guide wire exchanges were possible without loss of superselective positioning of the microcatheter. Benc htop testing showed the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire to have comparab le distal tip flexibility and stiffness to the commonly used micro-gui de wire. CONCLUSION: The comparable subjective and objective mechanica l properties of the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire to that of a commonl y used micro-guide wire further establishes the possibility of clinica l implementation of the device.