Multipurpose A2 catheter approach to left heart catheterization in severe aortic stenosis.

An approach has been presented for the performance of right and left heart catheterization, left ventriculography, supravalvular aortography, and coronary arteriography utilizing a #8 French, A2 multipurpose catheter. Using the manipulations described herein, the left ventricle was entered in 96% of the patients. The multipurpose catheter is an excellent catheter for left ventriculography, negating the need for catheter exchange once the left ventricle has been entered. Likewise, this catheter provides excellent supravalvular aortography and selective coronary arteriography supplemented as needed with preformed coronary arteriographic catheters. This method provides a very safe, efficient approach to the performance of complete heart catheterization in patients with clinically significant aortic stenosis.