The Percutaneous Femoral Artery Approach to Selective Coronary Arteriography

Abstract

Experience in performing 267 selective coronary arteriograms by both the exposed brachial artery and percutaneous femoral artery techniques has proved the latter to be the technique of choice. The percutaneous femoral artery approach obviates the need for performing a cutdown over the small caliber brachial artery with the associated difficulties of catheter manipulation from this vessel. We have been able to intubate the left coronary artery with ease in all of 122 patients in whom this approach was attempted. The right coronary has been selectively entered in approximately 90% of these patients. The stability of the position of the catheter in the coronary ostia during manipulation of the patient, coughing, and deep breathing is an outstanding feature of this technique.