This early report describes the technique of left heart catheterization via the ulnar artery and highlights the initial technical challenge of crossing a normal aortic valve.
The technic employed in catheterization of the left heart in man is described. A catheter is introduced into the left ulnar artery and passed through the brachial, axillary and subclavian arteries into the arch of the aorta. With the tip of the catheter at the root of the aorta, we have succeeded in entering the left ventricle only in patients with free aortic insufficiency due to syphilis. Failure to pass the aortic valves in normal subjects is discussed.
Zimmerman et al. (Wed,) studied this question.