Guidewire coatings

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.

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

Commonly used Guidewire Coatings

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