Activated-guidewire technique for treating chronic coronary artery occlusion

Coronary angioplasty was successfully carried out with an activated guidewire technique in 33 of 47 patients who had undergone a failed attempt at conventional angioplasty for the treatment of chronic coronary artery occlusion. 80% of these occlusions were stump-like occlusions. This technique involves the attachment of a hand-held battery-driven motorised device to standard angioplasty equipment and can be used at any time during the procedure. The device generates complex vibratory movement in the guidewire to facilitate crossing of occluded vessels.