What are guidewires
The guidewires are used for introducing the equipment necessary to perform diagnostic (diagnostic guidewire, angiographic guidewire) or therapeutic procedures, i.e., angioplasty.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a percutaneous procedure to widen blood vessels (endovascular procedure) that have been narrowed or closed because of disease (usually progressive atherosclerosis). Angioplasty is performed within the coronary arteries, carotid arteries, peripheral arteries of the upper and lower extremities (PTA), kidneys, and sometimes also venous vessels.
Hydrophilic guidewires
The guidewires are available in a whole range of diameters and lengths. They can be made of nitinol or stainless steel. Hydrophilic guidewires and, e.g., teflon-coated guidewires are available. Guidewires can also have a straight tip that allows it to be freely formed by the operator or curved in the shape of the letter J.