Retrograde transfemoral catheterization of the left ventricle in children with aortic valve stenosis.

In 19 consecutive children with aortic valve stenosis, the left ventricle was entered retrogradely with a Gensini catheter guided by a tip-deflector guidewire which could produce any desirable degree of curvature at its tip. In all patients, the aortic valve was retrogradely traversed for measurement of the pressure gradient (mean gradient = 53 mmHg, mean valve area = 0.36 cm2), and left ventriculography. No complications were encountered. This technique is safe, simple, and effective in retrograde catheterization of the left ventricle in children with aortic stenosis.