Selective carotid digital subtraction angiography in an outpatient population via a right transbrachial approach

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in 216 patients with carotid disease. The youngest patient was 35;the oldest, 92. A 4-French Simmons catheter was introduced into the right transbrachial artery. Examination time averaged 25 minutes. Diatrizoate meglumine 30% was used and contrast volumes averaged 30-50 ml per examination. Eleven complications occurred. Seven were considered minor;four were potentially serious. Advantages include the ability to obtain lateral views of the bifurcation, imaging of the intracranial circulation, small contrast volumes, and shortened examination times. The examination was considered superior to both intravenous and intraarterial aortic arch DSA studies