[Intra-arterial digital angiography using a trans-humeral approach in the assessment of ambulatory patients].

The authors report their experience with intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) performed on outpatients via brachial artery catheterization. A total of 120 outpatients were studied for cerebral and lower limbs vascular diseases. Transbrachial catheterization was performed with 5F or, preferably, with 4F angiographic catheters. Success rate was high and the transbrachial approach was always easy. In the course of cerebral examination (18/120 cases) the catheter was always easily positioned in the ascending thoracic aorta, through right transbrachial approach. In the course of abdominal aorta and lower extremities examination (102/120 cases), the ideal catheter positioning--in the descending aorta--was performed in 95/102 cases, by left transbrachial approach, while in 7/102 patients the catheter was placed in the ascending aorta. The complication rate was low: 7/120 ecchymosis, 4/120 small hematomas spontaneously resorbed, and 2/120 transient spasms of brachial artery. The authors suggest trasbrachial intraarterial DSA as an alternative to intravenous DSA in outpatients.