Interventional Radiology Registry Practice Exam

When performing nephrostomy procedures, the best guidewire to use is the Super Stiff guidewire. Nephrostomy involves placing a tube directly into the kidney through the skin to drain urine, which often requires negotiating through various anatomical structures in the renal collecting system. The Super Stiff guidewire offers the necessary rigidity and support to navigate through these structures and manipulate the catheter placement accurately.

The rigidity of the Super Stiff guidewire provides excellent pushability and torque control, which are critical for advancing catheters in complex pathways. This is particularly important in nephrostomy procedures, where it may be necessary to access challenging anatomic areas or navigate through strictures. The stiffness aids in maintaining the pathway while the nephrostomy catheter or drain is being introduced and positioned.

Other types of guidewires, while useful in various scenarios, do not provide the same level of stiffness and stability. For instance, the Rosen guidewire is typically used in biliary or similar procedures where less rigidity is required. The Amplatz guidewire is also firm but is designed mainly for larger access needs and might be less flexible for delicate procedures. The Glidewire, known for its smooth surface and flexibility, is often used in pediatric or soft tissue cases rather than for