# Rapid Navigation of Tortuous Vasculature with a Novel Steerable Coaxial Microcatheter

> **NIH NIH R44** · AGILE DEVICES, INC. · 2021 · $1,007,400

## Abstract

Project Summary
The goal of this project is to commercialize a new steerable microcatheter, the Angler™, which
will significantly improve an interventional radiologist’s ability to navigate across small blood
vessels. Microcatheters are designed to reach small vascular targets from access points such
as the femoral or radial arteries, located up to 150 cm away. Interventional radiologists use
these devices to treat a wide variety of ailments, from a traumatic vessel rupture to a hepatoma.
Access and navigation of small vessels, however, can be difficult in up to 45 % of all cases,
where there is challenging anatomy or when multiple targets are present. Difficulties in
navigation can result in added procedure time, unpredictable scheduling, increased radiation
exposure, and, in time-critical processes such as a ruptured pseudoaneurysm, poorer clinical
outcomes. In cases where navigation is challenging, the interventionalist can switch to
microcatheters, guidewires, or guide catheters with different shapes or stiffness to help with
vessel selection, but at additional cost and time.
We have developed the Angler™ using a novel coaxial design that allows active deflection of
the microcatheter tip, while satisfying the size requirements for general microvascular and
neurovascular procedures and preserving the tracking and torqueing properties of existing
microcatheters. This would greatly enhance the operator’s ability to navigate the vasculature,
and reduce the need to stock and use passive devices with different shapes. The capabilities of
this device have been proven versus existing microcatheters through independent bench testing
and two separate animal studies with interventional radiologists.
Following 510(k) clearance, Agile Devices will perform all FDA required process validations
before commencing human use builds. We will also develop two new line extensions (an 0.027”
I.D. high-flow version and a 0.0165” I.D. neuro version) through design freeze. These will
expand usage of our technology into additional peripheral vascular and cancer applications and
into neurovascular procedures.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10214122
- **Project number:** 2R44HL137521-03
- **Recipient organization:** AGILE DEVICES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephen Tully
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,007,400
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2018-01-16 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10214122

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10214122, Rapid Navigation of Tortuous Vasculature with a Novel Steerable Coaxial Microcatheter (2R44HL137521-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10214122. Licensed CC0.

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