Catheter Terminology

Front 1

support or backup

Back 1

ability to remain in position despite resistance, used in reference to angioplasty guide catheters when advancing a balloon catheter against resistance. A function of stiffness and configuration.

Front 2

Hub

Back 2

fitting on the proximal end of the catheter

Front 3

trackability

Back 3

ability of a catheter to follow a guidewire along its course through the vascular anatomy. A function of the proper combination of flexibility and pushability

Front 4

memory

Back 4

ability to recover and maintain a specific configuration after insertion and guidewire removal

Front 5

strength

Back 5

ability to withstand high pressure injections. A term used in reference to angiographic catheters, which need to withstand high injection pressurees associated with high contrast flow rates.

Front 6

stability

Back 6

ability of a catheter to remain in position, a function of stiffness, memory, and matching of catheter configuration to anatomy

Front 7

tip

Back 7

the final taper or distal end of the catheter. The part inserted into the patient first.

Front 8

Maneuverability

Back 8

ability to advance the catheter around sharp bends or through tortuous vascular segments. Implies flexibility and torque control.

Front 9

Body

Back 9

segment of the catheter between the tip and hub

Front 10

axial control

Back 10

ability to directly transmit forces from the end of the catheter to the tip

Front 11

pushability or power

Back 11

ability to directly transmit force applied to the hub of the catheter longitudinally to the tip. (of considerable importance in balloon angioplasty)

Front 12

pliability

Back 12

ability to bend and to be shaped

Front 13

flexibility

Back 13

ability of a section of catheter to bend on contact with a resistant surface

Front 14

torque control

Back 14

ability to directly transmit rotational forces from the end of the catheter to the tip. Synonymous with axial control.