Outpatient arteriography and cardiac catheterization: effective alternatives to inpatient procedures.

Traditionally, arteriography and cardiac catheterization have been inpatient procedures. Growing public and medical interest in cost containment prompted consideration of performing them as outpatient procedures. Ninety-five outpatient cerebral, peripheral, or visceral arteriograms and 89 outpatient cardiac catheterizations done in a 36-month period were reviewed. Findings indicate that outpatient cardiovascular examinations can be performed safely, with no additional risk to the patient, and provide an efficient, convenient alternative to hospitalization.