Stiff guide technique: technical report and illustrative case.

Endovascular techniques are gaining wider acceptance in the treatment of intracranial lesions. Tortuous vasculature is a common reason for failure to treat an intracranial lesion, especially when balloon catheters or stents are used. In these cases, the guiding catheter often buckles into the aorta during an attempt to place the balloon or stent. In our experience, a stiff wire can be used to support the guiding catheter, allowing the balloon catheter or stent to more readily navigate tortuous vessels.