ERCP guide wires.

Abstract

Guide wires have become an essential part of therapeutic biliary and pancreatic endoscopy. The Teflon-painted stainless steel wire still remains the standard guide wire. However, special situations call for the use of some of the more specialized guide wires mentioned in this article. The endoscopist needs to be familiar with the type that is needed for any given situation. It may be prudent and cost-saving on the part of the endoscopist to anticipate early on in the procedure the type of wire or wires that would be needed, thereby enabling the endoscopist to choose one or two guide wires that would meet his or her needs rather than having to use several wires.