Guidewire coatings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

The distal half (the distal 30-35 cm) of coronary guidewires are coated with slippery (lubricious) materials to reduce the friction of the guidewire as it crosses the blockage in the coronary artery and to also facilitate the passage and delivery of intracoronary devices down the artery. As the guidewire coating becomes more slippery or lubricious, the tactile sensation may be reduced. The reduction in the tactile sensation associated with more lubricious coatings may limit the operator’s awareness that the wire has perforated the vessel wall.

Classification Of Lubricious Coatings

Hydrophilic

Attracts water
It is applied over polymer or stainless steel (including tip coils)
Thin, non-slippery solid when dry, needs lubrication to perform
Becomes a gel when wet
Reduces friction
Increases trackability

Hydrophobic

Repels water
Silicone on working area of wire, excluding tip
No actuation/wetting required
Reduces friction
Increases trackability

Hydrophobic tip and hydrophilic distal end

Commonly used Guidewire Coatings

PTFE (Polytetrafluroehylene) is the most common coating
Teflon
Silicone
Pro/Pel®, (Medtronic)
Hydro-track® (Medtronic)
Hydro-coat (Abbott vascular)