Catheter for visualization of patent ductus arteriosus

We have developed a new catheter for transvenous angiography in patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) that has given excellent results in 31 patients (age range seven months to 17 years). Optimal selective opacification of PDA is due to maintaining the catheter side holes in close proximity to the PDA and to rapid delivery of relatively large volumes of contrast medium into the ampulla of the PDA without the catheter recoiling. The venous route of catheter insertion precludes possible arterial injury.