Advances in guidewire technology

Since the introduction in 1979 of a movable guidewire system for PTCA, significant advances have been made in guidewire technology that have improved primary success rates and reduced complications with the use of this system. Coronary stenoses in distal sites or in branch vessels with abrupt angulations can now routinely be reached and crossed with newer-generation guidewires. This report concentrates on the evolution of advances in guidewire technology and outlines changes in guidewire design that have allowed for improved efficacy and safety with the movable wire system. Appropriate cases are presented to illustrate the advantages of available guidewires.