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Selective cerebral angiography through the axillary artery
Insights
The axillary artery approach provides a viable alternative for cerebral angiography in patients with severe arteriosclerosis unsuitable for femoral catheterization, offering comparable success rates with minimal serious complications.
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.
Abstract:
The femoral artery approach to cerebral angiography has become well accepted. Some patients, however, are not candidates for femoral catheterization because of severe arteriosclerosis. One hundred cerebral angiograms were performed in 88 severely arteriosclerotic patients, using No. 5 French polyethylene catheters and the axillary approach. The technique, degree of success, patient population, and their complications are described. This approach allows selective vertebral and internal carotid artery injections. Only one serious complication occurred, thrombosis of the axillary artery. Because of the time saved, this technique is often preferable to the femoral approach in severely arteriosclerotic patients.