[The significance of transfemoral cerebral angiography in the diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases (author's transl)].

Comprehensive angiographical investigation is a prerequisite for successful vascular surgery in the region of the head and neck. An examination of the clinically involved region alone is not normally sufficient. The decision to operate can be made only after taking into account the results of cerebral panarteriography, i.e. investigation of the flow areas of both carotid arteries and the vertebral-basilary circulation, together with any comparable method, the advantages and dangers must be flow measurement. Transfemoral cerebral angiography (TCA) is not only the least strenuous method for the patient, butit is also the most effective available, especially as far as assessment of the origins of the four large cranio-cervical vessels is concerned. However, as with any comparable method, the advantages and angers must be weighed up carefully beforehand in each individual case. A definite indication is absolutely necessary. This paper describes the technique, indications and results of investigations in 70 patients suffering from cerebrovascular diseases.