New catheter technique for transcubital intraarterial DSA of the aortic arch and the supraaortic vessels.

A new catheter for the intraarterial DSA of the aortic arch and the selective demonstration of the supraaortal branches is presented. The catheter is introduced through the right cubital artery (introduction is also possible through the brachial or the axillary artery), which is favorable for performing the examination on ambulant patients. A technique for performing angiography in the region of the aortic arch and one for the selective demonstration of all supraaortic vessels, without the need to change catheters, is described. The authors have used the new technique on 200 patients who were referred for a DSA examination as a result of suspected CVI. Good selective demonstration of all the supraaortic vessels was achieved in 155 patients (77.5%). In the remaining patients we had to do without selective demonstration of the subclavian artery or the carotid artery. Even in these cases, the innominate artery and its branches could be selectively demonstrated. The advantages of the new catheter technique are clear in performing intraarterial DSA on ambulant patients, and by using only one catheter for demonstration of the aortic arch and selective demonstration of all the supraaortic arteries in the extra- and intracranial region. The advantages of transcubital puncture and also its complications are dealt with.