Percutaneous left heart catheterization and coronary arteriography using a femoral artery sheath

Percutaneous left heart catheterization and coronary arteriography with a standard angiographic catheter introduced through a femoral artery sheath has been performed in over 200 patients during the past 12 months. The use of the sheath for catheter introduction and manipulation offers several advantages, including the capability of monitoring two arterial pressures with only one arterial puncture, the minimization of time in which the guidewire is intravascular, the capability of using all types of catheters from a femoral artery percutaneous approach, and, most importantly, the complete elimination of patient discomfort during catheter changes. The disadvantages of the sheath technique are relatively minor. Thus, percutaneous left heart catheterization and coronary arteriography through a femoral artery sheath can be performed safely and with relatively little trauma to the femoral artery.