Visualization of the Coronary Arteries during Life

Abstract

By retrograde catheterization of the carotid or the brachial arteries small polyethylene or woven catheters have been inserted into the ascending aorta in 10 individuals. Diodrast or Neo-Iopax solution was forcibly injected and serial roentgenograms were rapidly taken. The coronary arteries or branches were demonstrated in 5 of the subjects. Similar studies were made in 5 dogs with normal hearts, and also in 10 dogs in whom a coronary artery had previously been obstructed. In certain of the normal animals not only the larger, but also smaller branches were clearly shown and the absence of filling in obstructed vessels was demonstrated.