FAQs

Replace SafeGuide® Over the Guidewire Esophageal Dilators when you notice:

• Loss of flexibility
• Cuts, cracks or nicks
• Stretching in the inner lumen
• Faded or missing markings
• Curved dilator or curled tapered tip
• Expired or missing expiration dates

Replace bougies when you notice:

• End cap separating from bougie
• Cuts, cracks or nicks
• Flaking or peeling of the outer coating
• Faded or missing markings
• Expired or missing expiration dates
• Curled tip or loss of flexibility

Per product testing, we cannot guarantee the integrity of the outer casing after three years. Results of our product testing have shown that through normal use, care, reprocessing, and storage, the WeightRight® and M-Flex® outer casings may begin to deteriorate after three years, leading to peeling and micro-cracking of the plastic casing containing the tungsten powder.

Some signs of aging and deterioration may be internal; therefore, we rely solely on the expiration dates to determine replacement. This expiration date serves to protect against the risk of cross contamination, prevent the leaking of the tungsten from the outer casing, and to prevent the end cap from pulling away from the bougie. It also serves as our manufacturer’s warranty.

The outer casing of the M-Flex bougie is made of silicone so it is autoclavable. The outer casing of the WeightRight bougie is made of PVC and can only be high-level disinfected. Both are tungsten-filled.

Note: WeightRight PVC Bougies have been discontinued.

For cleaning of all dilators please refer to your Instructions For Use (IFU).

Tungsten-filled bougies are non-toxic and can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste per facility guidelines.