Guidewire general techniques
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The ability to cross an atherosclerotic lesion with a coronary guidewire depends upon both the performance characteristics of the giudewire and the skill of the operating physician. This chapter discusses the technique of crossing an atherosclerotic lesion with a coronary guidewire.
Preparing the Guidewire
1. Use a bend at the tip of the wire which is roughly the length of the diameter of the vessel proximal to the lesion. 2. If a wire repeatedly fails to cross a lesion, a. Adjust the guide, b. Use a balloon, transit, ultrafuse or twin pass catheter to direct the wire c. modify the bend at the tip. d. change the wire ( check the tip of the wire for evidence of wear and tear) 3. A wire in a balloon or a catheter ( ultrafuse, transit or exchelon) may help guide the wire through the lesion
SAFETY TIPS
1. Get used to a few wires to suit most situations 2. Always use the least traumatic wire for the lesion, >90% lesions could be crossed with standard “work horse” wires 3. Until familiar and comfortable, do not rush in to wires which are mote likely to perforate. 4. Avoid bending or buckling the wire 5. Never push a wire, let it find its “track” with 6. A ventricular premature beat could be a suggestion that the wire is off track, withdraw the wire immediately and redirect it. 7. Check every fluro and cine loop for evidence for perforation, embolization and dissection. If the picture quality is poor, then do not hesitate to increase the frame count/radiation to improve it. 8. If there is a suspicion of a perforation, then an emergent Echo should be performed on the table. ( link complications – perforation)