Use of A Catheter with A Large Side Hole or Cleft in Selective Catheterization of Small Branch Arteries

Abstract

Selective catheterization of some branch arteries may occasionally be impossible, especially small branches arising from a large parent artery or the aorta with an acute angle at the orifice. A catheter with a large side hole or cleft is a useful device for selecting such branch arteries. This catheter can be made easily during the procedure from a conventional angiographic catheter as individual anatomy requires, and a microcatheter-guidewire system can be advanced into the desired branch artery through the side hole or cleft.