Initial Characterization of Ikari Guide Catheter for Transradial Coronary Intervention

Ikari is a new guide catheter for transradial intervention (TRI) that produces stronger back-up force by utilizing an unfavorable angle between the subclavian and brachiocephalic arteries. We report the initial results of the Ikari guide catheter based on the experience of a single center. Six operators performed a total of 102 coronary interventions for 91 patients using the Ikari guide catheter, while 101 interventions were performed with the transfemoral approach (TFI) during the same period. A left Ikari catheter was used in 63 procedures, and a right Ikari catheter was used in 39. The success rate for the procedure was 97% with a 6 French Ikari catheter. All failures were due to tortuous brachiocephalic arteries. For the Ikari procedure, the average fluorescence time was 14.5 ± 9.5 minutes and the dye volume used was 153 ± 53 ml; these results were equal to or better than those of TFI during the same period (20.1 ± 12.2 minutes and 184 ± 61 ml, respectively). These preliminary data suggest that an acceptable success rate can be achieved in TRI using appropriate guides, such as an Ikari catheter.