Direct left ventricular puncture.

Left ventricular puncture with ventriculography was carried out in 150 cases over the past four years as an adjunct to cardiac catheterization. It proved to be a safe method of obtaining data on abnormalities of the heart. In addition, it permitted excellent visualization of the thoracic aorta and brachiocephalic vessels. Inserting the needle at the subxiphoid and directing it through the apex of the right ventricle, into the septum and then the left ventricle lessened the hazard of injury to the left coronary artery or of entering the pleural cavity that is associated with direct apical puncture. Complications and failures were few.