Related Experiment Videos
Brachial artery catheterization via cutdown and a direct needle puncture
R Vaghei1, E B Terrell, U Kunyosying
1Department of Thoracic-Vascular Surgery and Radiology, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Insights
Direct needle puncture for brachial artery catheterization is a safe and effective method for arteriography when femoral access fails. This study evaluated 369 patients, finding good results with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiovascular Procedures
Background:
- Brachial artery catheterization is an alternative access route for arteriography.
- Indications include femoral pulse absence, failed femoral access, prior aortic bypass, and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of brachial artery catheterization using direct needle puncture.
- To compare outcomes with the cutdown technique.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 369 patients undergoing arteriography from 1970 to 1988.
- Catheterization performed via direct needle puncture or cutdown of the brachial artery.
Main Results:
- Two patients (0.5%) experienced radial pulse loss.
- One patient required thrombectomy and later developed a pseudoaneurysm at the puncture site.
- The direct needle puncture technique demonstrated good procedural success.
Conclusions:
- Direct needle puncture brachial artery catheterization is a safe and effective procedure.
- It offers a viable alternative for arteriography when femoral access is not feasible.
Abstract:
Brachial artery catheterization via cutdown and a direct needle puncture was evaluated in 369 patients undergoing arteriography at the authors' medical center from January, 1970, to March, 1988. The indications for retrograde brachial arteriography were absence of palpable femoral pulses, failure of a femoral approach, previous aortic bypass surgery, and/or aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. The technique and results are described. Two patients lost their radial pulse; 1 of them had thrombectomy and, one year later, developed an aneurysm at the site of the needle puncture. The authors conclude that catheterization of the brachial artery through direct needle puncture is a safe procedure with good results.