Welcome to the New Era: A Completely Wireless Interventional Procedure

Abstract

The number of minimally invasive interventional radiology (IR) and interventional cardiology vascular procedures performed increases every year. As the number of vascular procedures increases, the need for advanced technology and innovative devices increases as well. Traditionally, as a general rule, a catheter is used in conjunction with a guidewire in such procedures. The underlying principle of IR is to always use a guidewire prior to any advancement of a catheter. This article describes a revolutionary theory that utilizes a new technology and contradicts this basic principle. Using a steerable microcatheter, a bilateral uterine artery embolization was performed from a wrist access with no guidewire. Furthermore, this technique reduced the procedure time by more than half when compared to standard of care. This technique may be applicable to other IR procedures, which could potentially reduce the time critically ill patients spend in the procedure area outside the intensive care unit.