Translumbar catheter angiography with a needle-sheath system.

Translumbar catheter angiography with a new needle-sheath system was used in 175 patients and proved to be a safe and simple technique. No complications related to aortic puncture or catheter manipulation were observed. The 5-F sheath allowed the introduction of 4-F catheters of different lengths and shapes. Results of computed tomography performed after the procedures in ten patients, and intraoperative findings obtained in 22 patients, showed only minimal hematomas in the retroperitoneal space.