Highly tortuous or convoluted vascular segments place unique demands on catheter design, requiring a shaft flexible enough to navigate sharp turns while still transmitting enough support to advance and deliver devices. INVAMED's DeliveryCATH is built specifically to address this challenge, using a variable-stiffness, composite construction intended to serve both diagnostic and interventional roles across neuro, peripheral, and coronary vasculature.
What Is DeliveryCATH?
DeliveryCATH is a single-lumen, flexible, variable-stiffness composite catheter designed to reach small, tortuous vascular areas. It is intended for the introduction of interventional devices and the infusion of diagnostic or therapeutic agents into the neuro, peripheral, and coronary vasculature, positioning it as a versatile access and delivery platform across multiple vascular territories.
Variable-Stiffness Construction
Rather than presenting a uniform stiffness along its entire length, DeliveryCATH is engineered with variable stiffness intended to balance two competing needs: sufficient proximal support to allow the catheter to be pushed and advanced, and adequate distal flexibility to navigate small, winding vessels without excessive trauma. This construction approach is a common strategy in catheter engineering for reaching distal or tortuous anatomy.
Coil and Braid Technology
DeliveryCATH combines coil and braid reinforcement technology within its wall construction, an approach intended to produce an ovalization-resistant catheter, meaning the lumen is designed to maintain a round cross-section even as the catheter is navigated through convoluted anatomy. Maintaining lumen shape under mechanical stress is important for consistent device passage and fluid delivery through the catheter.
Hydrophilic Coating and Shapeable Tip
The catheter shaft carries a hydrophilic coating intended to reduce friction during use, supporting smoother advancement through tortuous vessels. The distal tip of DeliveryCATH is shapeable, allowing the operator to customize the tip curve for a specific anatomical target before insertion. The inner lumen is designed to accommodate guidewires up to 0.027 inches in diameter, supporting compatibility with a range of small-profile guidewire systems.
Clinical Applications
DeliveryCATH is intended for use across neuro, peripheral, and coronary vasculature where access to small or convoluted vessels is required, whether for the introduction of interventional devices or the infusion of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. As with all catheter systems, appropriate selection and use depend on the clinical scenario and are determined by the treating physician. DeliveryCATH is intended for use by trained healthcare professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ovalization-resistant" mean for a catheter?
It refers to the catheter's ability to maintain a round, patent lumen cross-section even when navigated through tight curves or convoluted anatomy, rather than flattening or collapsing under mechanical stress, which could impede device passage or fluid flow.
Why does DeliveryCATH have a shapeable rather than fixed tip?
A shapeable tip allows the operator to customize the distal curve to the specific anatomy encountered during the procedure, offering flexibility similar in concept to a steerable catheter, but achieved through manual pre-shaping rather than active deflection.
What guidewire sizes are compatible with DeliveryCATH?
DeliveryCATH's inner lumen is designed to accommodate guidewires up to 0.027 inches in diameter, supporting a range of small-profile guidewires used in neuro, peripheral, and coronary procedures.
Related INVAMED Resources
- Comprehensive Catheter & Guidewire Systems
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- Coronary Artery Disease & Cardiac Interventions
Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Product indications, availability, and regulatory status vary by country. Always refer to the official Instructions for Use (IFU) and consult a licensed physician for guidance specific to your situation. INVAMED devices are intended for use by trained healthcare professionals.