[Selective ambulant transbrachial intra-arterial DSA of the supra-aortic arteries].

The improved Tomac 1, 2 and 3 (T1, T2, T3) catheters for selective transbrachial intra-arterial DSA of supra-aortic arteries are described. 1,100 patients have been examined. Using the T1 or T2 catheters, selective demonstration of the left subclavian artery was possible in 98% of 880 patients and the left common carotid artery in 88%. Semiselective demonstration of the right cerebral vessels was successful in all patients. In 220 patients a combination of T1, T2 and T3 catheters was used, resulting in 100% demonstration of the left subclavian artery, 97% demonstration of the right carotid artery, 88% demonstration of the right vertebral artery and 95% demonstration of the left common carotid artery. The only serious complication was thrombosis at the site of puncture in 0.18% of patients. These results have encouraged us to use the new catheters for outpatients.