Design Optimization and Mechanical Performance Evaluation of a Modified Coronary IV-OCT Catheter Adapted for Intracranial Navigation: A Preclinical Study

The application of intravascular optical coherence tomography (IV-OCT) in neurovascular interventions is constrained by the mechanical inadequacy of conventional catheters in navigating the complex intracranial vasculature. To address this, we modified a coronary IV-OCT catheter, enhancing its mechanical performance for neurovascular applications. The modified catheter featured a 300 mm over-the-microwire segment and a dual-structured shaft (distal 50 mm nonbraided, proximal 250 mm braided) to improve trackability and pushability. We compared the modified and conventional catheters using a benchtop model with a simulated vessel path and an in vivo swine model. Trackability and pushability were quantitatively measured using resistance (N) and advancement distance (mm) in the simulated path. In the animal model, indirect performance metrics included the catheter tension angle (CTA) and pass of catheter (POC) through the fourth curvature of the external carotid artery (ECA). The modified catheter demonstrated superior pushability (172.9 ± 1.96 mm vs. 127.9 ± 2.86 mm, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and increased resistance (1.47 ± 0.036 N vs. 0.69 ± 0.032 N, <i>p</i> < 0.05). In vivo analysis further showed a significantly greater CTA (115.8 ± 8.5° vs. 77.6 ± 10.3°, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and higher POC success rate (83.3% vs. 11.1%, <i>p</i> < 0.05). These results indicate that the modified coronary IV-OCT catheter offers enhanced mechanical performance, suggesting its potential for safe and effective use in neurovascular procedures.