[Aspects of the risk-free use of micro-catheterization in 3342 examinations]

The microcatheterization for purpose of sounding of the right heart has proved itself in the prediagnostics of vitia cordis, for verification of the latent cor pulmonale, especially in combination with the bicycle ergometer load, and in the intensive medicine in the permanent measurement of the pressure of the pulmonary artery. The method gives the advantage of the frequent reproducibility and at the same time uncomplicated usability. In 3,342 microcatheter investigations only eight complications appeared (0.24% of the cases). Practical methodical references are given and possibilities of error in registering the pressure are indicated.