5 French guide catheters for percutaneous coronary intervention: A feasibility study in 100 consecutive patients

Percutaneous coronary intervention using smaller-diameter guide catheters m ay have a favorable impact on groin complications, mobilization time, hospi tal stay, and contrast use. This prospective registry study assessed the fe asibility of routine stent delivery through 5 Fr guide catheters. Of the 10 0 consecutive patients, 5 Fr guided intervention was attempted in 84 and wa s successful in all but 2 patients who had chronic complete occlusions. Rea sons for not selecting a 5 Fr guide were planned kissing balloons (eight), directional coronary atherectomy (one), and no suitable 5 Fr guide in stock (seven). There was no stent dislodgment, need to change to a larger-calibe r guide, or inadequate contrast opacification. When necessary, guide suppor t was achieved by deep-vessel intubation, which was not associated with vas cular damage. The only adverse sequelae were non-Q-wave myocardial infarcti ons in two patients. Coronary artery stenting using 5 Fr guide catheters is feasible and applicable to most patients. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001 ;52:45-48. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.