Refinement of ERCP by using the Olympus V-scope system with a 0.025 in. compatible and complete fixable Visiglide ® guidewire

Abstract Aim Prospective evaluation of the new 0.025 in. Visiglide ® guidewire to facilitate endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography using the Olympus V-scope. Materials and methods Interventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography was performed in 9 patients with the Olympus V-scope and the 0.025 in. Visiglide ® guidewire (VS group), whilst 9 other patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography with a conventional Olympus duodenoscope using 0.035 in. conventional guidewires (controls). Exchange time of accessories, X-ray time, dose and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography examination time were investigated. Results The VS group showed a significantly lower exchange time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography accessories (9; 4–10 s, p ® guidewire was complete fixable by the elevator in 35/36 instrument exchanges (97%) compared to 16/31 exchanges (52%) using conventional guidewires. Limitations Single-centre study, small patient numbers, two investigators. Conclusions Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography using the Olympus V-scope with the new 0.025 in. Visiglide ® guidewire enables a 3-fold faster exchange of accessories due to a nearly complete fixation of the guidewire.