Angioaccess Decision Based On Noninvasive Vascular Studies

Angiography is frequently performed via the femoral or axillary arteries using the Seldinger technique. The success of the femoral approach depends on the patency of the ipsilateral iliac segment, which can be evaluated by: the thigh/brachial systolic pressure index, thigh wave forms and amplitude, femoral/brachial systolic pressure index, and femoral wave forms and amplitude. By reviewing these vascular parameters, along with the angiographic findings of 102 patients having peripheral vascular disease, the authors have developed an algorithm allowing them to determine the appropriate vessel to be used as access site.