Complications of direct brachial artery puncture for arteriography: a comparison of techniques.
Direct brachial artery puncture is used increasingly for day-case arteriography and patients with severe aorto-iliac disease. In expert hands low complication rates are reported, but the risks of brachial artery puncture may be higher when it is performed by less experienced operators. Over a 2 year period 49 direct brachial artery punctures were performed for arteriography. In 27 cases catheters were inserted directly over a guide-wire via a variable puncture site. In 22 cases catheters were inserted through an introducer sheath via a high brachial puncture. Significant complications requiring active treatment or surgical intervention occurred in three (11%) cases where direct catheter insertion was used. There were no complications when an introducer sheath was used. Percutaneous high brachial aortography using an introducer sheath is a safer technique when brachial artery puncture is performed infrequently.
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
A F
AF
Watkinson
G G
GG
Hartnell
D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D001916:Brachial Artery; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology