guide catheter
A large-bore catheter that provides stable access and support for delivering interventional devices to target vessels.
Full Definition
A guide catheter is a hollow, steerable tube typically ranging from 6 to 8 French in diameter that serves as a conduit for delivering smaller catheters, guidewires, balloons, and stents during interventional procedures. The catheter tip is shaped to engage specific coronary ostia or peripheral vessel origins, providing stable platform for device advancement and contrast injection. Guide catheters feature side holes to prevent pressure damping and suction, along with various tip configurations designed for different anatomical situations. Proper guide catheter selection and positioning are critical for procedural success, as inadequate support can lead to device failure, vessel trauma, or inability to deliver therapy to the target lesion.
Usage
Usage note: Always document guide catheter size, type, and specific anatomical engagement in procedural reports.
In Context
- "A 7 French EBU 3.5 guide catheter provided excellent support for the complex bifurcation intervention." — Procedure report
- "The guide catheter was carefully positioned to avoid ostial trauma during repeated device exchanges." — Technical note