[Development of a multiple side-hole sheath introducer for use in aortography]

We developed a multiple side-holed sheath introducer that can also be used as a catheter for aortography before selective arteriography of the pelvic organs or lower extremities, as an alternative to straight or pig-tail catheters, which were formerly used for aortography. Aortography using the multiple side holed sheath introducer provided good detection of arteries in 100% of 10 cases, without any complications or difficulties. Thus, the present sheath introducer can replace straight or pig-tail catheters, resulting in the more economical use of one catheter prior to selective arteriography.