Guide Wire

A guide wire is a slender, flexible wire used to navigate and position medical devices within the body, especially during minimally invasive procedures.

Here's a breakdown of its key features and uses:

Medical Context:

Function: Acts as a pathway for catheters and other instruments to reach target areas, such as blood vessels or ducts.

• Material: Typically made of stainless steel or nitinol, offering both flexibility and strength.
• Design: Often coated with hydrophilic or hydrophobic materials to reduce friction and improve maneuverability.

Applications:

• Coronary Angioplasty: Helps guide balloons and stents through arteries.
• Endoscopic Procedures: Assists in accessing bile ducts or urinary tracts.
• Interventional Radiology: Used in the Seldinger technique for vascular access.