This paper discusses the uses of the Multi-functional probing catheter™ (Boston Scientific, Scimed) in the arena of percutaneous coronary intervention with specific reference to treating chronic total occlusions. This catheter is essentially a speedy monorail balloon without the balloon mounted on the end. Thus, it has a short monorail/rapid exchange port which exits at the distal tip of the catheter, and an over-the-wire port which exits proximally at the side of the catheter.
Tackling chronic total occlusions often results in the creation of a false passage intramurally rendering it difficult to redirect the guide-wire into the true lumen. The Multi-functional probing catheter™ allows introduction of a second wire in a different direction from this lumen via the over-the-wire port. The benefits of this equipment for guide-wire support and wire exchange are examined. In addition, this support catheter allows distal vessel visualisation, confirming intraluminal wire position. A further use of this catheter is for intracoronary drug delivery especially in the context of vascular spasm, no reflow or thrombotic occlusion.
The use of the Multi-functional probing catheter™ in two chronic total occlusion interventions cases is discussed in detail.
