• 4 •
135 cm Guidewire Instructions for use:
* Replaces steps 4-12
I. Perform the Venipuncture
• Remove the needle guard and attach a syringe.
• Introduce the needle into the vessel and observe for flashback.
• When the vein has been entered, remove the syringe leaving the needle in place.
• Place a finger over the needle to minimize blood loss and risk of air aspiration. The risk of air
aspiration is reduced by performing this part of the procedure with the patient holding his breath
until the guidewire is inserted into the needle.
• Release tourniquet.
II. Hydrate Guidewire
• Inject enough solution to wet the guidewire surface entirely.
III. Advance the Guidewire
• Advance the guidewire through the needle and, using fluoroscopy, advance the tip of the guidewire
to the desired location of the catheter tip within the vessel.
CAUTION: Do not advance the
guidewire past the axilla without fluoroscopic guidance.
IV. Remove the Needle
• Remove the needle, leaving the guidewire in place in the vessel. Apply slight pressure on the
vessel above the insertion site, to minimize blood flow.
• Enlarge the puncture site with a #11 scalpel blade, taking care not to damage the guidewire.
V. Measure the Wire
• Note the depth marking on the guidewire at the point at which the wire exits the skin. This is
the length to which the catheter should be cut. Guidewire depth markings are in 5 centimeter
increments.
60cm 55cm 50cm 45cm 40cm 35cm
VI. Modify the Catheter Length
Note: Catheters can be cut to length if a different length is desired due to patient size and
desired point of insertion according to hospital protocol. Catheter depth markings are in
centimeters.
• Using a sterile scalpel or scissors and noting the centimeter markings on the catheter, cut the
catheter to the length matching the distance indicated by the centimeter markings of the wire.
• Inspect the cut surface to ensure there is no loose material.
VII. Introduce the Sheath Introducer
• Introduce the sheath/dilator assembly over the guidewire. Using a twisting motion, advance the
assembly into the vessel.
VIII. Remove the Dilator
• Rotate locking collar of dilator and remove dilator from the introducer sheath.
• Withdraw the dilator, leaving the introducer sheath and guidewire in place.
WARNING: Place a finger over the opening of the introducer sheath to minimize blood loss
and risk of air aspiration. The risk of air embolism is reduced by performing this part of the
procedure with the patient performing the Valsalva maneuver.
IX. Insert and Advance the Catheter
• Insert the catheter slowly over the wire, through the introducer sheath, and into the vessel.
Advance the catheter tubing until approximately 5 cm remains outside the sheath.
X. Retract and Remove the Microintroducer Sheath
• Stabilize the catheter position by applying pressure to the vein distal to the microintroducer sheath.
• Withdraw the microintroducer sheath from the vein and away from the site.
• Split the introducer sheath and peel it away from the catheter.
• Fully insert the remainder of the catheter tubing below the skin surface.
• Under fluoroscopic visualization, check catheter tip location in the vessel.
• Slowly remove the guidewire from the catheter.
• Place a finger over the catheter opening to minimize blood loss.
* Proceed to step 13
An issued or revision date for these instructions is included for the user’s information. In the event two
years have elapsed between this date and product use, the user should contact Bard Access Systems,
Inc. to see if additional product information is available.
Revised date: June 2011
*Bard, PowerPICC, PowerPICC SOLO, StatLock, and The Power of Purple are trademarks and/or
registered trademarks of C. R. Bard, Inc.
© 2011 C. R. Bard, Inc. All rights reserved.
