A guidewire is a thin, flexible wire used in medical procedures, particularly in cardiology and vascular surgery. It serves as a pathway for other instruments, such as catheters, to navigate through blood vessels or other anatomical structures. Guidewires come in various lengths and stiffness levels, allowing them to be tailored for specific procedures. During a procedure, a doctor inserts the guidewire into a blood vessel, guiding it to the targeted area. Once in place, the guidewire helps ensure that other devices can be accurately positioned, minimizing the risk of complications and improving the overall success of the intervention.