The magnum wire is a stiff-shaft, blunt-tip wire constructed for recan
alisation during angioplasty. Smaller series have demonstrated superio
r qualities compared to conventional wires. The purpose of this study
was to analyze its feasibility in a larger number of procedures. A sin
gle centre database analysis identified the use of Magnum wire during
443 procedures accounting for 26% of all angioplasties from October 19
92 to February 1995. There were 347 total occlusions and 222 non-total
lesions. Technical success was 69% in total and 90% in non-total lesi
ons, whereas angiographic success was 58% and 75%, respectively. Stent
s were successfully implanted in 48 lesions; in 29 (8%) total occlusio
ns and 19 (9%) non-total lesions. The total occlusion-related complica
tion rate was 1.7%. Acute closure occurred in 4.1% of non-total lesion
s. In conclusion, Magnum wire is a feasible tool for angioplasty of to
tal occlusions and severe stenoses. It is a cheap, simple and safe met
hod for recanalisation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.