Technical Feasibility and Performance Studies of a 0.009-inch Nitinol Microguidewire for Potential Neuroendovascular Applications

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors conduct technical feasibility and performance studies on a new 0.009-inch nitinol microguidewire for potential neuroendovascular applications. METHODS: In vivo microcatheterizations of brachiocephalic arteries were performed in four pigs using the 0.009-inch nitinol microguidewire with a commonly used microcatheter and compared with the performance of commercially available microguidewires. Vessels catheterized using the 0.009-inch wire were evaluated by histopathological analysis. A standardized, bench-top method of evaluating basic mechanical properties of microguidewires also was used to compare the 0.009-inch nitinol microguidewire with two commonly used microguidewires. RESULTS: The 0.009-inch microguidewire had similar steerability, tractability, torque control, and distal tip flexibility to the commonly used microguidewires in the in vivo simulations. Bench top testing showed the 0.009-inch microguidewire to have comparable distal tip flexibility and objective mechanical properties to the commonly used microguidewires. CONCLUSIONS: The comparable subjective and objective mechanical properties of the 0.009-inch nitinol microguidewire to that of commonly used microguidewires further establishes the possibility of clinical implementation.