Long wire technique--experience with 100 procedures.

Derived from more than 1000 procedures the long wire technique has proven to facilitate coronary angioplasty. Maneuvering of the wire is unhindered because the wire is introduced without balloon catheter. Optimal contrast display is possible during crossing of the stenosis. Precision and safety of the procedure is therefore considerably improved. Balloon catheters can be exchanged without recrossing the stenosis including super low profile catheters of small diameter. In case of acute coronary occlusion occurring during angioplasty the long wire allows reintroduction of catheters without danger of via falsa. If necessary a 4.5 f perfusion catheter can be introduced and coronary perfusion with 60-100 ml per minute blood from the femoral artery can be performed by hand. In contrast to the monorail technique the ability to measure pressures through the balloon catheter including intracoronary gradients and coronary capillary pressure is preserved.