Guidewire feeder

A system for use with a guidewire, the system comprising:

• a first housing, shaped to define a first channel through which the guidewire is slidable;
• a second housing, shaped to define a second channel through which the guidewire is slidable in at least a first direction toward the first housing;
• a guidewire-engaging element configured to inhibit the guidewire from sliding through the second channel in a second direction away from the first housing, and to allow the guidewire to slide through the second channel in the first direction toward the first housing;
• and
• wherein the system is configured such that oscillation of the second housing toward and away from the first housing advances the guidewire in the first direction through the first channel of the first housing, by:
• movement of the second housing toward the first housing in a manner that slides a portion of the guidewire in the first direction, and
• movement of the second housing away from the first housing while the guidewire remains stationary with respect to the first housing.