Comparison of coating damage and shape retention quantity of microcatheter by different shaping methods

Abstract

Objective: To compare the coating damage and shape retention quality of microcatheter by steam (ST), hot air gun (HA), and HA + ST shaping.

Method: SL-10, XT-17, and Q-track microcatheters were included in the study. MarSurf CM explorer (a non-contact 3D confocal microscopy system) and MATLAB software were used to detect the surface coating damage. To detect the shape retention quantity, ImageJ software was used to analyze the images of the shaped microcatheters. Temperature of the outlet of the ST and HA was measured using a high precision contact digital thermometer.

Results: HA could reach the preset temperature (3 ∼ 4 s) 17 times faster than an ST (54 s). HA + ST produced relatively consistent heat flow output. HA had better shape retention quantity than ST, and HA + ST had a relatively better shape retention quantity compared with ST or HA alone. ST had a protective effect on the hydrophilic coating on the surface of microcatheter, and shaping by ST + HA could reduce the damage caused by HA to the surface coating.

Conclusions: HA and ST had their own advantages in microcatheter shaping. HA had a better shape retention quantity than ST, and reached the setting temperature faster than ST. ST had the ability to better protect the coating than HA. A device capable of simultaneously generating efficient and stable heat flow and eliminating heat flow damage to the surface coating can be designed for ideal microcatheter shaping.

Keywords: Confocal microscopy; Hot air gun; Microcatheter shaping; Steam; Surface coating.