[Transbrachial arterial catheter angiography. Technique, indications, complications]

In a large group of patients, most of whom were attending a department of vascular surgery, who underwent arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA), a transfemoral approach was not possible in 9%. Therefore in 142 cases transbrachial arterial angiography was electively performed with 4-F or 5-F catheters. This method proved to be a safe and reliable alternative, though the examination technique was more demanding and the complication rate somewhat higher. It offers clear advantages over a transaxillary or translumbar approach. Special attention is paid to the role of transbrachial arterial DSA in evaluating the descending aorta and the peripheral outflow in the legs and to its usefulness in certain angioplasty manoeuvres.