PURPOSE: To conduct technical feasibility and performance studies on a new Doppler-tipped, 0.014-inch micro-guide wire for potential neuroendovascular applications. METHODS: In vivo microcatheterizations of brachiocephalic arteries were performed in two swine using the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire and a commonly used microcatheter. A standardized, bench-top method of evaluating basic mechanical properties of micro-guide wires was also used to compare the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire with a commonly used micro-guide wire. RESULTS: The 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire had similar steerability, tractability, torque control, and distal tip flexibility to the commonly used micro-guide wire in the in vivo simulations. Frequent micro-guide wire exchanges were possible without loss of superselective positioning of the microcatheter. Bench-top testing showed the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire to have comparable distal tip flexibility and stiffness to the commonly used micro-guide wire. CONCLUSION: The comparable subjective and objective mechanical properties of the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire to that of a commonly used micro-guide wire further establishes the possibility of clinical implementation of the device.
PURPOSE: To conduct technical feasibility and performance studies on a new Doppler-tipped, 0.014-inch micro-guide wire for potential neuroendovascular applications. METHODS: In vivo microcatheterizations of brachiocephalic arteries were performed in two swine using the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire and a commonly used microcatheter. A standardized, bench-top method of evaluating basic mechanical properties of micro-guide wires was also used to compare the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire with a commonly used micro-guide wire. RESULTS: The 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire had similar steerability, tractability, torque control, and distal tip flexibility to the commonly used micro-guide wire in the in vivo simulations. Frequent micro-guide wire exchanges were possible without loss of superselective positioning of the microcatheter. Bench-top testing showed the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire to have comparable distal tip flexibility and stiffness to the commonly used micro-guide wire. CONCLUSION: The comparable subjective and objective mechanical properties of the 0.014-inch Doppler guide wire to that of a commonly used micro-guide wire further establishes the possibility of clinical implementation of the device.