[Technique and problems of transaxillary angiography of the distal aorta and its branches].

The primary approach to angiography of the distal aorta and its branches is transfemoral catheterization. Whenever this approach is contraindicated, the transaxillary way is an alternative of full value. The comparatively somewhat higher risk can be reduced to an acceptable minimum by the knowledge of damaging mechanisms and careful postangiographic control. The decrease of the angle between left subclavian artery and aortic arch in older patients renders the approach to the descending aorta more difficult and is the most frequent reason for failures. Since an ideal technique for managing this problem does not yet exist a review of some of the hitherto published suggestions is given, completed by experience of our own.