Doppler-assisted percutaneous angiography.

The Doppler ultrasonic blood velocity detector was used to determine the location and patency of non-palpable femoral and brachial arteries, facilitating their percutaneous puncture. This technique was used to achieve a more optimal demonstration of the peripheral circulation distal to aorto-iliac occlusive disease as well as for retrograde catheter angiography of vascular beds distal to more central stenoses or occlusions. This technique may also aid in percutaneous puncture for emergency angiography in hypotensive patients, percutaneous transluminal angioplastsy, or femoral vein punctures.