Quantitative mechanical profiling of 12 ERCP guidewires: Toward evidence-based device selection

Numerous guidewires are available for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), each with distinct mechanical characteristics. Although individual features such as tip flexibility or shaft stiffness have been studied, no prior research has comprehensively compared multiple guidewires. This study aimed to quantitatively and visually characterize mechanical properties of guidewires using a standardized bench-top evaluation framework.

Twelve guidewires available in Japan were tested. Seven mechanical parameters were assessed: tip load, maximum tip load, front and rear shaft stiffness, torque performance, whip performance, and radiographic visibility. All tests were conducted under standardized conditions using dedicated equipment. Performance scores were normalized (1-10 scale), and radar charts were generated for visualization.

Guidewires showed wide variability across parameters. Tip load ranged from 0.026 ± 0.029 to 0.114 ± 0.025 N; maximum tip load from 0.180 ± 0.040 to 0.697 ± 0.059 N. Shaft stiffness ranged from 0 to 0.343 ± 0.006 N (front) and 0.057 ± 0.006 to 0.477 ± 0.006 N (rear). Torque deviation ranged from 19.6 ± 16.7° to 41.0 ± 23.8°; whip performance from 13.5 ± 0.6 to 163.4 ± 77.6 °/sec. Radiographic contrast ranged from 292.7 to 1125.4. Values are mean ± SD unless otherwise stated; radiographic contrast was measured once. Radar chart shapes were classified into four types: bowl, rightward, leftward, and upward. Radar chart visualization revealed distinct mechanical profile patterns among guidewires.

This was the first study to provide integrated mechanical profiles of ERCP and EUS guidewires based on standardized bench-top testing. Radar chart visualization offers an intuitive framework for comparing relative mechanical tendencies and may serve as a useful reference for research and education.