Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed herein is an improved papillotome/sphincterotome procedure and a wire guide which is specially suited therefor. The disclosed wire guide includes an outer insulative tube of extruded teflon material, an inner shaft of nitinol, and a platinum coil at its distal end. The outer teflon tube has been extruded to have an internal dimension which is sized to loosely accommodate the inner shaft of nitinol with a cushion of air therebetween for additional insulative effect, and the platinum alloy coil is also loosely positioned within the teflon tubing. The nitinol material in the inner shaft has a high electrical resistivity which inhibits the flow of current, and also has superelastic characteristics which enhance the maneuverability of the guide. The nitinol shaft is tapered at its distal end where it is attached to the platinum alloy coil, which is radiopaque, allowing the tip to be readily viewed under radioscopic observation. The wire guide also has visual markings on its outer surface at 5 cm., 10 cm., 15 cm, whereby positioning can be verified endoscopically, and a marking 200 cm. from its distal end, whereby the general position of the guide relative to the endoscope can be determined by external visual observation.

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First Claim