Transbrachial selective pulmonary angiography using a new 4 Fr curved pigtail catheter and hydrophilic-coated guidewire

We have employed a new 4 Fr curved pigtail catheter with a hydrophilic- coated guidewire for transbrachial, selective pulmonary angiography using digital subtraction imaging. Eighteen patients and 27 pulmonary arteries were catheterized and selective pulmonary digital subtraction angiography was performed. Clinical diagnosis included lung cancer in 14 patients, thymoma in 1, bronchogenic cyst in 1, and pulmonary embolism in 2. Selective pulmonary arteriograms were obtained in all patients. No catheter-related complication occurred, although occasional premature ventricular contractions were noted. The high-flow injection rate of the contrast material resulted in clear visualization of the pulmonary arteries in all cases. This newly developed pigtail catheter combined with a hydrophilic-coated guidewire allowed easier and exact transbrachial selective pulmonary angiography to be performed. This technique does not require bedrest after the procedure and thus can be used in outpatients. It can also be used in patients who have thrombi along the transfemoral route.