A catheterization guidewire system provides a first wire for percutaneous insertion in a blood vessel. The first wire may include a lumen running from one end to the other, and a handle adjacent the proximal end for manipulation of the first wire about and along a central axis. A second wire may be inserted in the blood vessel over the first wire, and may have a handle adjacent a proximal end. With the first and second wires coupled together, either of the handles of the first and second wires may be used to manipulate both wires. The wires may be manipulated relative to one another by simultaneous use of both handles. The first wire may have a rigidity selected to allow crossing of a bifurcation in the blood vessel. A third wire, which may also have a handle, may be inserted in the blood vessel over the second wire. A catheter for insertion over at least one of the first, second, and third wires may be provided with a balloon and a stent placement apparatus.