[The value of the transbrachial approach for arterial visualization using a 4-F catheter].

To assess the safety of nonselective intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) performed from a transbrachial approach with 4-French-catheters, the complications occurring in 158 examinations were studied. Two patients developed local thrombosis and in four patients there were temporary pulse deficits. Three brachial artery catheterisations were unsuccessful due to transient arterial spasm. Our data support the conclusion that nonselective transbrachial DSA is a safe and accurate method, easily employed in an outpatient population.