An improved double-lumen biliary catheter for cholangiography.

A double-lumen biliary catheter was developed to aid in the performance of cholangiography and bile duct stone extraction. A prototype catheter was used in four cadavers. Excellent cholangiograms were obtained and a cryoprecipitate coagulum easily formed in the bile ducts without waste. Extraction of the coagulum from the bile ducts was aided by use of the catheter. The catheter also can aid in routine balloon catheter bile duct stone extraction, and thus is useful for both diagnosis and treatment of bile duct stones.