How Dual Depth Markings Lead to Precise Esophageal Dilation

Diversatek Healthcare is proud to offer the only single-use, over-the-wire esophageal dilator featuring both American and European depth markings. The SafeGuide® Single Over-the-Wire (OTW) Dilator was developed in response to ongoing feedback from gastroenterologists, reflecting our commitment to innovation and advancing care.

The Importance of Depth Markings 

The dual depth markings are designed to help physicians and GI teams perform safer, more controlled, and more precise esophageal dilations. The depth markings provide a clear, visual indication of how far the dilator has advanced relative to the incisors (or other anatomical landmarks), ensuring accurate positioning at the stricture. This allows gastroenterologists to track advancement in small increments when treating strictures, Schatzki’s ring, achalasia, or other issues. Incorrect placement can result in incomplete treatment, over-insertion, or other complications. Additionally, the SafeGuide Single dilator features a radiopaque PVC design extending from the proximal end to the distal tip, allowing for real-time visualization under fluoroscopy and providing added safety and confidence during esophageal dilation.

How to Use Dual Depth Markings During Dilation

The American and European markings work in tandem. The gastroenterologist uses the endoscope to measure the distance from the incisors to the strictures. After identifying the stricture endoscopically, a guidewire is introduced and carefully advanced past the narrowed segment and securely positioned in the lower stomach. The endoscope is then withdrawn over the guidewire, and the OTW dilator is advanced over the guidewire while the nurse or GI technician maintains the guidewire position.

The gastroenterologist uses the American depth markings, which measure from the distal tip of the dilator, to align the dilator with the depth previously measured on the endoscope. After initial positioning, the dilator is rotated to view the European depth markings, which measure from the point of the dilator’s largest outer diameter. The gastroenterologist will then advance the OTW dilator until the same measurement is reached on the European markings, ensuring that the largest diameter of the dilator is accurately positioned on the stricture. Doing so ensures that the stricture will be effectively expanded as the gastroenterologist advances and retracts the dilator, applying longitudinal force to open the narrowing.

Unlike many single-use OTW dilators on the market that feature only American markings, which require the GI physician to estimate or perform mental calculations to determine precise depth, the SafeGuide Single OTW Dilator provides dual American and European markings for intuitive, real-time guidance. This dual marking system eliminates unnecessary guesswork, enabling gastroenterologists to confirm positioning and proceed with confidence throughout the dilation. 

Are the dilators sterile? 

The SafeGuide Single OTW Dilator is individually packaged as “clean and ready for use” to support streamlined workflows and enhanced efficiency. Because the dilators are labeled clean rather than sterile, they do not carry expiration dates, which allows GI practices and departments to stock a full range of sizes without concerns about product shelf life or waste. Single-unit availability further enables facilities to order only the precise sizes and quantities needed to meet their clinical and patient-care demands. 

A Complete Portfolio of SafeGuide Products for Esophageal Dilation 

• The reusable SafeGuide® OTW Esophageal Dilators also feature dual depth markings.
• The SafeGuide® Marked Spring Tip Guidewire with an atraumatic tip is available in reusable and disposable options.
• A complete line of SafeGuide dilator cleaning brushes and accessories supports every step of your dilation workflow.