Analysis of the properties of guiding catheters used in endovascular neurointervention.

SUMMARY: The backup force is one of the most important properties of the guiding catheter in modern endovascular neurointervention employing rigid or bulky devices. Several guiding catheters were examined with regard to their backup force. Each guiding catheter had unique characteristics and neither an increase in its diameter nor increase in the backup force was directly proportional. The combined use of guiding catheters (coaxial guiding catheter) led to some improvement of the backup force, and the combination of the 6Fr Envoy and 8Fr Guider Softip exhibited the best performance. This article provides some scientific background as a means to select the appropriate catheter for beginners as well as accomplished operators.