Angiography of the internal mammary artery via the contralateral brachial artery.

A new technique for angiography of the contralateral internal mammary artery via the brachial artery approach is described. A Simmons (sidewinder) catheter is maneuvered into the ascending aorta and is rotated as to assume its performed shape. The catheter is advanced into the contralateral subclavian artery beyond the internal mammary artery. With the aid of an exchange wire, the Simmons catheter is replaced with a preformed internal mammary angiographic catheter. The internal mammary artery is cannulated, and angiography is performed. Fifty patients were successfully studied by means of this technique without incident. In 20 cases, the ipsilateral internal mammary artery was subsequently visualized. Brachial angiographers may prefer to add this technique to their repertoire.