Device for connecting a guidewire to an extension guidewire

A method of connecting a wire to an extension wire within a confined space having a dimension only slightly larger than the diameter of the larger of the wires, one of the wires having a male connecting member, the other of the wires having a female connecting member comprising:

• (a) positioning the wire and the extension wire with the male connecting member and female connecting member in full relationship within the confined space;
• (b) providing a transparent magnifying means in a position to observe the confined space;
• (c) advancing the male connector member and female connector member towards one another;
• (d) using the transparent magnifying means while advancing said wires to adjust the position of said wires to insure axial alignment;
• and
• (e) causing said wires to be connected together by axial movement.

A method of connecting a guidewire to an extension guidewire, one having a male end connector and the other a female end connector, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a device having a first body member including a longitudinal groove located in the upper surface of said first body member, said groove having a cross-section slightly wider than that of the largest of the guidewires, said device further including a second body member dimensioned to fit over said first body member as a cover, said second body member having a transparent magnifying media located over said groove;
• inserting the female end of one of said guidewire in through one end of said groove;
• inserting the male end of the other of said guidewires in through the other end of said groove;
• advancing each of said guidewires until their respective ends are located below said transparent magnifying media;
• and
• coupling said guidewires together while positioned under said transparent magnifying media.