A new guide extension catheter named Telescope (Medtronic) has just been released on the market, and we have already tested it. Its advantage over other available extension catheters is that its structure differs to allow a highly safe and effective catheter release in distal portions of the coronary arteries.
The characteristics of the different parts of the device are as follows:
- Distal segment. The catheter has a coil-based structure, unlike others which contain mesh. The distal portion is more flexible than the proximal portion. The polymer tip measures 2 mm (it has a radiopaque marker) and is produced by extrusion; its flexibility allows deflections that adapt appropriately to the tortuosity of the coronary artery, to calcifications, and to lesions encountered in the coronary lumen, without causing dissection.
- Coating. . The distal segment has a 21 cm hydrophilic-coated jacket that helps safely improve navigation and glide inside the coronary artery. The inner surface of the catheter has a polytetrafluoroethylene coating (PTFE) that reduces friction when devices are passed through it.
- Pushwire. It has a solid, round pushwire that confers greater force and pushability than other types of pushwires or pushtubes (some are flat; others round and hollow), minimizing the risk of kinking.
- On-ramp. Measuring 40 mm and comprising 3 parts: the portion that connects with the catheter, a polymer semi-circular tube and a beveled end. The bevel is long, gradually transitions from the catheter to the pushwire, and has a polymer coating, which reduces potential difficulty with passing and delivering stents. The pushwire also tapers from proximal to distal where it connects with the catheter.
It is available in 6 F (0.056” inner lumen) and 7 F (0.062” inner lumen). This device represents an innovation in the category of guide extension catheters.
Key words: guide extension catheter, coronary interventional procedure.
