Preformed catheters for simplified transbrachial coronary arteriography.

The experience in 700 patients of transbrachial selective coronary arteriography using a preformed catheter is described. The excellent plastic memory of torque control of the polyurethane catheter combined with the characteristic gentle curve permit rapid and easy intubation of the coronary arteries. The so-called "difficult" cases encountered with the classic Sones technique have been catheterized with ease employing the technique described in this report. The exceptionally low complication rate (no deaths), abbreviated catheterization time, a success rate of 99.2%, and the high quality cine angiographic films make this technique a highly useful and effective method of transbrachial coronary arteriography.