For medical procedures that require the insertion of a catheter into blood vessels or other body cavities, the use of microcatheters has become increasingly popular in recent years. Micro catheters are thin, highly flexible instruments used to access areas of the body that are difficult to reach through larger catheters. They are utilized in a variety of applications such as intravascular foreign body retrieval, embolization, and intra-arterial chemotherapy, among others. This review will provide an overview of the microcatheter technology, its advantages, and limitations.
Pushable micro catheters are designed to be pushed through the body to reach the intended target vessel. They are made from materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimide, and a composite of metals. They are end-hole catheters that come in different diameters. Pushable microcatheters have gained popularity in recent years due to their safety profile and ease of use.
Microcatheters have many advantages over larger catheters, making them a useful tool in a variety of minimally invasive procedures. They have smaller diameters that can access even the smallest vessels in the body, making them ideal for navigating through complex networks of blood vessels. Microcatheters also offer high-resolution imaging of the target site during the procedure due to the smaller size of the catheter. Additionally, they are highly maneuverable, giving the operator more precision in positioning and deploying devices.
Microcatheter technology has revolutionized catheterization procedures, providing a safer and more efficient alternative to standard catheters. Their flexibility, navigability, and high-resolution imaging capabilities have made them an essential tool for medical professionals in various invasive procedures. Despite their limitations, microcatheters continue to improve and have become a valuable asset in the medical field.




