[Catheterization of the artery originating from the left ventricle by means of flow-directed catheter. A new technic].

The described heart catheterization technique with the Swan-Ganz-flow-directed catheter allows the catheterization of the aorta or, in transposition of the great arteries, the pulmonary artery, from the left ventricle via a venous entrance form the saphenous vein if an interatrial connection exists (patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect). With the help of a stiff steel guide wire rail it is possible in the apex of the left ventricle to bend the catheter sharply toward the outflow tract. This technique was used on 51 children. Every catheterization attempt was successful . It is possible by avoiding the retrograde arterial catheter technique carry out to the complete examination of the left heart and the great artery via a venous entrance.