| abstract |
An improved catheter for facilitating an antecubital approach to selective cardio-pulmonary arteriography comprising an elongated length of flexible and pliable tubing having a connector at one end. The tubing is preferrably open at its distal end and has a tight pigtail contour formed adjacent the distal end and first, second and, optionally, third curved portions arranged in serriatum along the length of the tubing from the pigtail contour, all of which, including the pigtail contour, curve generally in the same direction, and preferrably describe a plane. A plurality of spaced apart apertures are provided in an array about the first curved portion for fluid distribution during pulmonary arteriography. The pigtail contour is sized and shaped to pass into the main and branch pulmonary arteries through the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart beginning in the patient's arm. The tube is preferrably made of blended polyurethane to enhance torsional rigidity while maintaining pliability and flexibility. A range of sizes are provided within the scope of this invention adaptive to patients with enlarged hearts. The preferred relatively thin tubing size is 5 Fr. |