What is a key feature of a fixed core guidewire?

What is a key feature of a fixed core guidewire?

• A. Maintains original shape
• B. Good for navigating tortuous vessels
• C. Has hydrophilic coating
• D. Cannot be used for catheter exchanges

Answer: (A)

A fixed core guidewire keeps its shape because its core wire does not taper or change along its length, so it transmits torque and stiffness consistently. This design gives reliable shape retention as you manipulate the wire, which makes it a stable rail for catheter exchanges and device delivery. In contrast, a wire designed for tortuous vessels typically relies on a more flexible, tapered tip or hydrophilic coating to improve tracking through bends, so fixed-core wires are not the best choice when navigating highly curved anatomy. Hydrophilic coatings aid lubrication but are separate from the core design, and fixed-core wires can indeed be used for catheter exchanges, so those statements don’t define the feature.

A fixed core guidewire keeps its shape because its core wire does not taper or change along its length, so it transmits torque and stiffness consistently. This design gives reliable shape retention as you manipulate the wire, which makes it a stable rail for catheter exchanges and device delivery. In contrast, a wire designed for tortuous vessels typically relies on a more flexible, tapered tip or hydrophilic coating to improve tracking through bends, so fixed-core wires are not the best choice when navigating highly curved anatomy. Hydrophilic coatings aid lubrication but are separate from the core design, and fixed-core wires can indeed be used for catheter exchanges, so those statements don’t define the feature.