1.2 Additionally, several new technologies have been introduced with potential but unproven advantages. Traditionally the ERCP wires have been as long as the combination of the scope channel and accessory length such that an assistant could control placement during the procedure. Recently, short wire system have been developed in which wires may be stripped out of catheters with tear away lumens down to the distal most aspect (5-50cm) depending on the accessory.9 A stripped down sphincterotome accomodates a short wire which can be completely controlled by the endoscopist enabling physician controlled wire passage. A locking device on the scope allows the short wire to be fixed reliably during therapeutic maneuvers. The advantage of the short wire system is that it decreases reliance on an assistant. The disadvantage is that is may decrease the backpressure on the sphincterotome which may be achieved based on Newton's third law (pulling the wire back helps advance the tome forward).