ACTIVATED-GUIDEWIRE TECHNIQUE FOR TREATING CHRONIC CORONARY-ARTERY OCCLUSION

Coronary angioplasty was successfully carried out with an activated gu idewire technique in 33 of 47 patients who had undergone a failed atte mpt at conventional angioplasty for the treatment of chronic coronary artery occlusion. 80% of these occlusions were stump-like occlusions. This technique involves the attachment of a hand-held battery-driven m otorised device to standard angioplasty equipment and can be used at a ny time during the procedure. The device generates complex vibratory m ovement in the guidewire to facilitate crossing of occluded vessels.