Guidewire clamp and introducer

Abstract

A guidewire for medical procedures can be maintained in a coiled configuration with a clamp. Multiple clamped and coiled guidewires may be stored in a fluid-filled, storage bowl concurrently. Different clamps may have different colors to differentiate the clamps and clamped guidewires. The clamps may be markable to provide additional differentiation. The clamps can further comprise a guidewire introduction funnel and/or a guidewire torquer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of storing one or more guidewires, the method comprising:
 wrapping a first guidewire into a coiled configuration, the first guidewire in the coiled configuration having a coiled portion and a free end portion;   closing a first clamp over the coiled portion of the first guidewire, wherein the first clamp has a first color; and   placing the closed first clamp and first guidewire into a fluid-filled storage bowl.   
     
     
         2 . A clamp for facilitating guidewire storage, the clamp comprising:
 a first portion, a second portion, and a pivotable portion therebetween,   wherein the first and second portions are foldable or pivotable relative to one another about the pivotable portion to open or close the clamp, and   wherein the first and second portions comprise upper surfaces configured to approximate or contact one another when the clamp is closed, the upper surfaces having one or more surface features to facilitate capture of the guidewire between the upper surfaces of the first and second portions.   
     
     
         3 . A kit for facilitating guidewire storage, the kit comprising:
 a first clamp comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a pivotable portion therebetween, the first clamp having a first color; and   a second claim comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a pivotable portion therebetween, the second clamp having a second color different from the first color.   
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 3 , wherein the first or second clamp further comprises a funnel structure coupled with the first or second portion of the first or second clamp, respectively, the funnel structure having a tip configured to be coupled to a hub of a catheter and a funnel lumen leading to the tip. 
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 4 , wherein the funnel structure is integral with the first or second portion of the first or second clamp. 
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 4 , wherein the funnel structure is removably coupled with the first or second portion of the first or second clamp. 
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 3 , wherein the funnel structure further comprises a grasper mechanism to secure a guidewire received in the funnel structure.