microcatheter
An ultra-thin catheter designed for accessing small coronary vessels and complex anatomy.
Full Definition
A microcatheter is an extremely small-diameter catheter, typically 1.5-2.7 French, designed for navigating tortuous, calcified, or chronically occluded coronary arteries that are inaccessible to conventional balloon catheters. These catheters provide enhanced deliverability and trackability over standard guide wires, allowing passage through tight stenoses or complex anatomy. Microcatheters can deliver therapeutic agents, facilitate guide wire exchanges, or provide additional support for device delivery. They are particularly valuable in chronic total occlusion procedures and heavily calcified lesion interventions.
Usage
Usage note: Can be written as one word or hyphenated. Specify French size when relevant to procedure.
In Context
- "A microcatheter was advanced across the chronic total occlusion to facilitate guide wire exchange." — CTO procedure report
- "The 1.5-French microcatheter successfully navigated the heavily calcified LAD lesion." — Technical procedure note