Magnarail probing catheter: new tool for balloon recanalization of chronic total coronary occlusions

The Magnarail probing catheter (Schneider Europe), a new tool for angioplasty of chronic total coronary occlusions, consists of a 135 cm/3.4 French single lumen shaft with the distal 17 cm (4.5 French) featuring a double lumen (Monorail section). The long lumen serves for contrast medium injection and pressure measurements. The short lumen accepts the guide wire and braces it to cross the occlusion. Once the lesion passed, the Magnarail probing catheter quickly can be exchanged for a balloon catheter. In case of failure to pass with the guide wire, no balloon is wasted.