An apparatus (22) for storing and directing a guidewire (24) used to guide an instrument is provided and includes a spool (28). The spool receives the guidewire and a spool wire (36). Rotation of the spool in a first direction retracts the guidewire and the spool wire around the spool. The apparatus also includes a wire connector (48) that operatively couples the spool wire and the guidewire together. The apparatus further includes a housing (124, 126) that houses the spool. The housing includes first and second apertures. The first aperture is sized to prevent the wire connector from passing through the first aperture but allow the guidewire and the spool wire to pass through the first aperture. The second aperture is sized to allow the wire connector and the guidewire and the spool wire to pass through the second aperture.
