GUIDEWIRES

Tips for Successful Placement when Working with Guidewires

• Respect the angle of the wire. The guidewire sits at a particular angle. When the dilator is placed over the wire, do not change the angle of the wire. This may lead to kinking.


• Maintain a slight back traction on the wire. This helps the dilator and/or catheter slide over the wire properly.


• Monitor for kinks. If the wire is not advancing smoothly or a dilator is not inserting properly, a kink is the likely cause. Try pulling the wire back so the dilator can slide over the kink.


• Advance the guidewire slowly in short strokes, 1-2 centimeter increments.


• Do not wrap the wire over fingers or wrist. This can straighten the J wire and cause the wire to separate.

Go to Section 10:
Post-Insertion Maintenance