[First experiences with a new method of intra-arterial chemotherapy in tumours of the head and neck (author's transl)].

The article reports on the use of a new catheter in intraarterial infusion therapy of head and neck tumours. A balloon catheter is inserted into the external carotid artery so that the catheter tip is positioned at the juncture of the artery which provides the blood supply in the tumourous area. Through temporary blockage of the balloon, selective perfusion of the tumour artery with cytostatic drugs is possible. In 10 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity this catheter was used, and the possibilities of this method of selective perfusion explored in contrast to the conventional procedure practised so far.