Magnum wire for angioplasty of total and non-total coronary lesions

The magnum wire is a stiff-shaft, blunt-tip wire constructed for recanalisation during angioplasty. Smaller series have demonstrated superior qualities compared to conventional wires. The purpose of this study was to analyze its feasibility in a larger number of procedures. A single centre database analysis identified the use of Magnum wire during 443 procedures accounting for 26% of all angioplasties from October 1992 to February 1995. There were 347 total occlusions and 222 non-total lesions. Technical success was 69% in total and 90% in non-total lesions, whereas angiographic success was 58% and 75%, respectively. Stents were successfully implanted in 48 lesions; in 29 (8%) total occlusions and 19 (9%) non-total lesions. The total occlusion-related complication rate was 1.7%. Acute closure occurred in 4.1% of non-total lesions. In conclusion, Magnum wire is a feasible tool for angioplasty of total occlusions and severe stenoses. It is a cheap, simple and safe method for recanalisation.