Performance of angiographic catheters

Simple methods of quantifying selected physical characteristics of angiographic catheters, which are likely to influence their in vivo performance, have been developed. The torsional stiffness ('torque') of catheters was measured, and tip control ('manoeuvrability') in an angiographic phantom was studied. Both braided and unbraided catheters were investigated all having the 'headhunter' tip shape. Significant differences between measurements made at 20 and 37 degrees C were found. Torsional stiffness was not a good predictor of performance in the angiographic phantom. Ethylene oxide re-sterilization has only a limited effect on the physical characteristics studied.