SOFIA™ EX: Matched-Profile Intracranial Support Catheter for Reduced Inter-Catheter Friction

The SOFIA™ EX is a specialised support catheter in the MicroVention Terumo SOFIA family, distinguished by a more uniform outer diameter profile along its length compared to the standard SOFIA. Standard intermediate catheters have a step-down from a larger proximal shaft to a smaller distal tip, creating a friction point at the junction when a microcatheter must cross from the outer guide catheter into the intermediate catheter. The SOFIA EX minimises this step-off by maintaining a more consistent outer diameter, reducing the friction that impairs microcatheter advancement.

Available as ISC5105ST (5F, 105 cm) and ISC5115ST (5F, 115 cm). The inner diameter is 0.055 in, identical to SOFIA 5F, accommodating all 0.014 in wires and Headway microcatheters without restriction.

The SOFIA EX is most valuable in technically demanding elective procedures where smooth microcatheter delivery is paramount: flow diverter placement in tortuous posterior circulation, complex multi-coil embolization, stent-assisted coiling requiring multiple microcatheter exchanges, and Y-stenting at bifurcation aneurysms. By reducing inter-catheter friction, the EX improves tactile feedback and reduces the total push force required for device delivery.

For operators who find that SOFIA 5F provides inadequate pushability for Headway 27 advancement during FRED deployment in tortuous posterior circulation cases, the EX’s reduced friction interface may provide the improvement needed without switching to a different intermediate catheter platform.

The SOFIA EX and SOFIA 5F have identical lumen dimensions and tip softness. The EX’s advantage is exclusively the outer diameter profile matching that reduces inter-catheter friction at the guide-to-intermediate junction. Operators will not experience a change in navigation feel advancing the EX to position — the difference is felt when the working microcatheter is advanced through the EX.

For cases not requiring high-flow aspiration and where smooth microcatheter delivery is the priority, the EX offers a more refined mechanical interface than the standard SOFIA 5F. For cases where combined support and aspiration are needed, the SOFIA 6F or 88 is the appropriate choice.

Position the SOFIA EX using standard road-map advancement over a 0.014 in wire. Once in position, stabilise the EX hub and advance the working microcatheter through the EX lumen. The reduced friction interface means devices advance more readily than expected — use controlled incremental advancement rather than a single push.

During microcatheter exchanges, maintain the SOFIA EX position with a parked exchange wire in the distal vessel. Withdraw the first microcatheter over the wire and advance the replacement without disturbing the EX position.

Modern Medical Solutions is the authorised MicroVention Terumo distributor for Tajikistan and Afghanistan. SOFIA EX is available in ISC5105ST and ISC5115ST for neurointerventional programmes in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Contact Modern Medical Solutions to compare the SOFIA EX against standard SOFIA 5F and determine which combination best serves your program’s procedure mix.