Use of a coil introducer to shape microcatheters.

We have found that an angled tip with a 40-degree angle and a distal length of 1 to 3 mm can be useful in subselecting intracranial vessels whose origins are otherwise difficult to catheterize. In addition, curves can be introduced by shaping the coil introducer as needed. These shapes can be safely formed using a coil introducer inserted in a retrograde fashion and fixed in boiling water.