Transbrachial arteriography: techniques and complications.

A study of 72 patients angiographically examined by the percutaneous transbrachial technique with 4-5F catheters is reported. Even though the patients were preselected to reduce the risk of the technique, an unacceptably high incidence (7%) of major complications, including 3 patients requiring surgery for brachial thrombosis, was encountered. Although transbrachial catheterization with single 4F catheter midstream injections as reported in the literature may be safe, this technique is unwarranted when selective studies are planned and the alternative transfemoral approach is available.