[Transbrachial selective carotid DSA in outpatients: safety and efficacy].

PURPOSE

To describe safety and efficacy of transbrachial selective carotid digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in outpatients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From July 1999 to November 2001, selective carotid angiography was performed in 141 outpatients preferably using a left brachial arterial approach. The average age of the patients was 68 years (range: 39 - 89 years). After flush aortography through a 4F-pigtail catheter, bilateral selective common carotid artery (CCA) catheterization was performed with 4F-Sidewinder-1 or Sidewinder-2 catheters. In 49 patients, Doppler-sonography was performed before or after arteriography. A total of 41 patients underwent carotid surgery.

RESULTS

Selective catheterization of the CCA was successful in 96 % of the cases. The diagnostic quality of the opacified aorta and CCA images was good to excellent. The overall complication rate did not exceed 2.1 %, and severe complications were not observed. One patient showed transient neurological symptoms and another mild nausea and agitation, probably as toxic reaction to the contrast medium. A single local hematoma developed after unsuccessful puncture of the brachial artery.

CONCLUSION

Transbrachial selective carotid DSA is safe, reliable and well-tolerated in outpatients and achieves a superimposition-free CCA visualization.