A simple method to form an open loop with the sidewinder catheter for cerebral angiography.

Reforming an open loop in the ascending aorta is the first step in performing selective catheterization of the aortic arch branches, using a sidewinder catheter. An alternative method for forming the open loop is described. The method is simple and safe. No failures were encountered in over 150 consecutive cases, thirty of which were by transaxillary approach.