Cardiac catheterization by percutaneous femoral venous approach in infants weighing less than 5 kg: observations in 97 cases.

The technique of cardiac catheterization after percutaneous introduction of a catheter can now be accomplished in neonates thanks to the refinement of the equipment and to the physicians' experience. In 100 catheterizations performed in infants of less than 5 kg, the new technique was utilized 97 times. Thanks to the utilization of introducers it permits Rashkind atrioseptostomy. Its main advantage is the preservation of venous integrity and this allows repeat investigations through the same route.