New long-tip catheters, one for the left and the other for the right corona
ry artery, were designed specifically for right transradial intervention, W
e utilized the overbending principle to achieve more precise control of the
catheters. We also analyzed principal factors involved to determine guidin
g catheter support considering the anatomy of the innominate artery, ascend
ing aorta, left and right coronary arteries. Catheter shapes were designed
to exploit favorable factors to compensate for mechanically disadvantageous
anatomy. The catheter for the left coronary artery has an initial loop to
make use of the angle between the innominate artery and the ascending aorta
to introduce the catheter to the correct position to provide strong backup
support. The catheter for the right coronary artery has a unique three-dim
ensional curve that provides sufficient backup support and compensates for
the angles between the innominate artery and the proximal portion of right
coronary artery to achieve coaxial engagement. The distal portions of these
catheters include long tips aiming to minimize the loss of transmitted for
ce. The performance of these catheters was studied in 143 patients with 161
lesions, Successful engagement was achieved in 138 patients with 156 lesio
ns (97%) and coronary intervention was successful in 136 patients with 154
lesions (99%). No major complications or coronary artery dissection occurre
d due to use of these catheters. This study showed the present long-tip cat
heters to be safe and highly effective for right transradial coronary inter
vention. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.