Horizontal Test on Catheter Systems

Catheters, guidewires and other minimum invasion instruments pass through three distinct phases to follow a tortuous path through an artificial aorta. Catheter forces can be measured in each of these phases – insertion into the artery in the inguinal region, straightforward progress along the artery and negotiating artery curvature of more than 90°. 

• Initial insertion force of catheter 
• Advancement force 
• Flexibility of catheter tip with curvature greater than 90°   

Further development of these catheter and guidewire systems includes attempts to reduce the coefficient of friction and the breakaway torque. The horizontal Allround-Line testing machine used by Zwick enables determination of shear forces in a simulated catheter insertion with very high accuracy. The test is carried out in a horizontal orientation in order to simulate the physiological status of the patient during the surgical intervention.