Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: A review of current balloon dilatation systems

Abstract

The interventional cardiologist is faced with an expanding armamentarium for performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Because of rapid advances in technology, new devices are produced on a regular basis, making it difficult to maintain a working knowledge of what is available. Although several excellent textbooks about PTCA have been written, descriptions of available equipment are usually obsolete by the time publication occurs. In order to provide succinct specifications of equipment, we have documented data on balloon catheters, guiding catheters, and guidewires. This information may be useful in the selection of appropriate equipment for PTCA procedures. In addition, the publication of such data in a monthly periodical may provide a more current overview of equipment; information may be occasionally updated as new equipment is released.

Coronary artery dilatation requiring high inflation pressure

“…We suggest that rather than taking a balloon to inflation pressures likely to result in balloon rupture, it may be more prudent to use a balloon able to withstand higher inflation pressures when lesions are identified that may be refractory to low or moderate inflation pressure dilatation. Most currently available balloons list maximum inflation pressures (and mean burst pressures) in a range from 8 to 16 bar [5].…”

Unusual guidewire maneuver to enter an acute angulation during complex percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

“…Technical descriptions of available equipment have been published [3]. Basic concepts of guidewire manipulation have also been described but warrant repeating [4].…”

Coronary balloon angioplasty through diagnostic 6 french catheters

“…The design afforded the rigid mechanical backup that was necessary to help cross the stenosis with the early balloons. Over the years, braided teflon-coated polyurethane guiding catheters were introduced with outer diameters of 9 French (3 mm) or 8 French (2.7 mm) and rapidly became the standard [2,3]. They allow deeper intubation of the coronary ostia than the original larger catheters and 'thus compensate for the loss in intrinsic backup power.…”