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The VB-1 catheter: an improved catheter for difficult-to-engage internal mammary artery grafts
John J Warner1, Thomas R Gehrig, Victor S Behar
1Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Insights
A new Cordis Behar Internal Mammary, VB-1 catheter simplifies selective intubation of internal mammary artery grafts during cardiac catheterization. This novel catheter design overcomes challenges with conventional catheters in patients with complex anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Device Innovation
Background:
- Internal mammary artery grafts are increasingly common in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting.
- Conventional angiography catheters face challenges in selective intubation of these grafts, especially with tortuous anatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and describe a novel catheter, the Cordis Behar Internal Mammary, VB-1.
- To demonstrate the catheter's capability for selective intubation of both right and left internal mammary arteries.
Main Methods:
- Development of a new catheter shape: Cordis Behar Internal Mammary, VB-1.
- Application in cardiac catheterization procedures involving internal mammary artery grafts.
Main Results:
- The VB-1 catheter enables selective intubation of both right and left internal mammary arteries.
- This is achievable in cases where conventional catheters are inadequate, particularly with challenging patient anatomy.
Conclusions:
- The Cordis Behar Internal Mammary, VB-1 catheter offers an improved solution for selective internal mammary artery graft cannulation.
- This innovation facilitates safer and more effective cardiac interventions in patients with prior bypass surgery.
Abstract:
As patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting age, internal mammary artery grafts are more frequently encountered in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Angiography and interventions involving these grafts are often difficult, particularly in patients with tortuous subclavian anatomy and/or proximal internal mammary artery origins. We describe a new catheter shape, the Cordis Behar Internal Mammary, VB-1, which allows selective intubations of both right and left internal mammary arteries that are not possible with conventional catheters.
