The mechanical properties of guidewires
Stiffness is always one of two factors that determine frictional resistance. The other factor, the coefficient of friction, depends on the surface characteristics. Teflon coating reduces the sliding friction to one-half, and a hydrophilic plastic coat to about one-sixth compared with steel.
The mechanical properties of guidewires. Part II: Kinking resistance
The tolerated acute angle in kinking constitutes a good relative measure for kinking resistance. It is quite a constant parameter for steel wires (about 30°) and for titanium wires (about 80°). The force required to bend a wire to a specific angle depends only on the stiffness of the wire. This means that kinking resistance is also a function of stiffness.
New heavy-duty exchange guide wire.
A major drawback of currently used exchange guide wires is insufficient stiffness, causing them to buckle or dislodge when used during catheter exchanges. A new heavy-duty exchange guide wire is described that facilitates catheter exchanges around sharp corners, such as those encountered during various cardiac interventional procedures. The wire was successfully used in experimental valvuloplasty and experimental dilation of the ductus arteriosus.