[Occlusion phlebography. Technics and possibilities of use]

The technique and use of occlusion phlebography is described. The method is based on temporary occlusion of blood flow by means of a balloon catheter. Various balloon catheter systems were used and their technical properties were evaluated. The distal veins can be demonstrated by using double lumen catheters, distal and proximal veins by using a catheter with three lumina. Occlusion phlebography is a suitable method for demonstrating hepatic and renal veins; it improves the demonstration of the azygos vein, the suprarenal vein and of visceral pelvic veins, including the iliolumbar veins. It also permits demonstration of the inferior vena cava and parietal veins in the pelvis in separate stages. Occlusion phlebography is the method of choice for the direct demonstration of splenorenal shunts.