Orion, an improved balloon on a wire system: initial experience.

The Orion coronary angioplasty improved balloon on a wire system was used in 42 patients (53 stenoses) including 5 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 18 patients with unstable angina, and 4 patients with kissing balloon angioplasty via a single guiding catheter. All stenoses were crossed successfully and the immediate and in-hospital success rates were 98 and 93%, respectively. The simple construction, low profile, and improved steerability allowed successful and quick angioplasty of high grade stenotic lesions. This balloon catheter represents a significant advance in angioplasty technology.