Percutaneous brachial artery catheterization.

We describe modifications and suggestions for safer percutaneous catheterization of the brachial artery based in part on the anatomy of the axillary-brachial artery and surrounding nerves of the brachial plexus. The brachial artery approach should be nearly as safe as the femoral artery approach for percutaneous catheterization and should not be avoided if the femoral arteries cannot be used.