microkatheters

Microcatheters are thin, flexible tubular devices used in medical procedures to access small or delicate blood vessels, ducts, or other tubular structures within the body. Typically measuring less than 2 millimeters in diameter, they are designed for minimally invasive interventions, including neurovascular, coronary, and peripheral vascular procedures, as well as certain urological and diagnostic applications.

Manufactured from advanced biocompatible materials such as polyurethane, Pebax, or PTFE, microcatheters possess excellent flexibility and durability, which allow navigability through complex vascular anatomies. They often feature a tapered or reinforced tip to facilitate smooth traversal of tight or tortuous vessels, and may be equipped with various lumen configurations for the passage of guidewires, contrast agents, or therapeutic devices.

Microcatheters are integrated with imaging compatibility, commonly featuring radiopaque markers that enable precise visualization under fluoroscopy. The design of microcatheters also includes compatibility with microguidewires and other microinterventional tools, supporting targeted delivery of treatments such as embolic agents, medications, or stents.

These devices play a critical role in neurointerventional procedures like the treatment of intracranial aneurysms or blood clots, as well as in coronary interventions for complex coronary artery disease. The development of microcatheters has significantly advanced the capabilities of minimally invasive medicine by enabling precise targeting in delicate and hard-to-reach areas.

Overall, microcatheters are vital tools in modern interventional radiology and endovascular therapy, characterized by their small size, adaptability, and precision, which contribute to improved patient outcomes and reduced procedural risks.