guidewire


guide·wire

(gīd'wīr), A wire or spring used as a guide for placement of a larger device or prosthesis, such as a catheter or intramedullary pin.

guide·wire

, guide wire (gīd'wīr) A long and flexible fine spring used to introduce and position an intravascular angiographic catheter
See: Seldinger technique
GUIDEWIRE

guidewire

, guide wire (gīd′wī″ĕr) A device used to enter tight spaces, e.g., obstructed valves or channels, within the body, or to assist in inserting, positioning, and moving a catheter. Guidewires vary in size, length, stiffness, composition, and shape of the tip. See: illustration