Q. Illustrate about Components of an Angioplasty System?
1) Guiding catheter: The ideal guiding catheter must have a lumen diameter i.e. at least twice that of the diagnostic catheter. Current guiding catheters are available in shapes similar to the conventional Judkins and Amplatz curves as well as a wide range of custom shapes such as hockey stick, multipurpose and Voda systems for better engagement, support and balloon advancement.
2) Guidewires: Present day guidewires are "steerable" have better wire sizes (0.009 inch), tip stiffness, shaft support and lubricious coating. Modern day guidewires combine tip softness, trackability around curves, radiographic visibility, and precise torque control which allow the wire to be steered past tortuous and stenotic segments.
3) Balloons: Balloons of various sizes and compliance are used depending on operator requirement for dilation of stenotic lesions.
4) Indeflator: It is a screw powered, hand held inflation device with a pressure dial for inflating the balloon to desired levels (atmospheres) for optimum results.