[Standardization of use of 4-F size catheter for selective transcatheter angiography and intervention of abdomen].

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new 4 French (F) catheter/sheath system with large lumina for selective abdominal arteriography and intervention, the usefulness of the 4F sheath (4F group, 88 patients) was compared with that of a 5.5F sheath and a 7F sheath (5.5F group, 7F group, 156 patients). The compression time of the arterial puncture site and the ambulation time in the 4F group were significantly shorter than those in the 5.5F and 7F groups. The hemorrhagic complication rate in the 4F group (15%) was less than those in the 5.5F group (23%) and 7F group (27%). The severity of hemorrhagic complications in the 4F group (hematoma 2.3%, woozing 14%, and rhexis 0%) was significantly less than in the 5F group (3%, 21%, 0%) and 7F group (11%, 19%, 2.4%). The controlability of the 4F catheter as compared with a 5F catheter was estimated in 35 patients by questionnaire. The torque transmissibility and the endurability of the kink of the 4F catheter were poor in comparison with the 5F catheter. However, with respect to the ability to follow over a guidewire, the 4F catheter showed great advantage over the 5F catheter. It is concluded that the 4F catheter/sheath system is feasible for general use in selective abdominal arteriography and interventions.