Use of a steerable triaxial system for challenging catheterization.

A steerable triaxial system consisting of a small microcatheter, a high-flow steerable microcatheter, and a 4-Fr. catheter is currently used in clinical settings. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the steerable triaxial system for challenging catheterization. Sixteen patients underwent an interventional procedure with the steerable triaxial system. Medical records and images of the procedures were reviewed, and the technical success rate, clinical success rate, and complications related to the procedures were evaluated. Technical success was defined as successful catheterization to the target artery using the steerable triaxial system, and clinical success as completion of the aimed procedure. Catheterization to the target artery was successfully performed with the steerable triaxial system in 14 out of 16 patients, but was unsuccessful in two. Therefore, the technical success rate was 88% (14/16). The procedure was successfully accomplished in the 14 technical success patients. Thus, the clinical success rate was 88% (14/16). There were no complications related to the procedures. The steerable triaxial system has potential as a useful and safe technique for challenging catheterization.