GUIDE-WIRE REINFORCEMENT AND LENGTHENING WITH COAXIAL LOCKING GUIDE WIRES - THE CRIMPING TECHNIQUE

The authors developed a technique to increase the size of a guide wire and permit single-step placement of catheters and large sheath systems over previously inserted small-caliber guide wires. The technique involves compression of a metal cannula against a smaller indwelling wire or inner cannula. It has been used successfully during laser-assisted balloon angioplasty and percutaneous nephrolithotomy.