[A new instrument for catheter introduction for angiographic and percutaneous transhepatic examinations (author's...

An instrument is described which can be used in the femoral or axillary approach using the Seldinger technique, and which has been found to be satisfactory during several years' use. Its advantages are that it is easy to use and the necessary technique is easily acquired; catheters can be changed painlessly and without damaging the artery; thinner catherters can be introduced without producing bleeding and the space between the instrument and the catheter can be perfused. The instrument has also proved valuable for percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage or portography by preventing buckling of the catheter at the costal chest/liver interface.