Selective cerebral angiography through the axillary artery

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The femoral artery approach is standard for cerebral angiography.
• Severe arteriosclerosis can preclude femoral catheterization in some patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the axillary artery approach for cerebral angiography in severely arteriosclerotic patients.

Main Methods:

• One hundred cerebral angiograms were performed in 88 patients.
• A No. 5 French polyethylene catheter was used via the axillary artery.
• Selective vertebral and internal carotid artery injections were performed.

Main Results:

• The axillary approach was successful in performing cerebral angiography.
• Only one serious complication (axillary artery thrombosis) occurred.
• The technique is often faster than the femoral approach in this patient group.

Conclusions:

• The axillary artery approach is a safe and effective alternative for cerebral angiography in patients with severe arteriosclerosis.
• This method facilitates selective injections into key cerebral arteries.
• Time efficiency makes it preferable in select arteriosclerotic cases.