A modified catheter system for retrograde left ventricular catheterization in aortic valve stenosis

Conventional retrograde catheterization of the left ventricle using a single large catheter through severely stenotic aortic valves or prostheses has recognized difficulties. An alternative method is described. This method incorporates a coronary angioplasty guide catheter and coronary probing catheter attached to separate pressure transducers allowing simultaneous recording or aortic and LV pressures. This technique was used in seven patients with aortic stenosis in whom a conventional approach had failed. The movable probing catheter permits alterations of the catheter orientation and angulation while the guiding catheter stabilizes the system within the high velocity jet formed in the ascending aorta. This stabilization and the small size of the coronary probing catheter permit exploration of the valve surface and allow for insertion through a tilting disc valve or a severely stenotic valve without significantly altering hemodynamic function. In our laboratory this technique allowed us safely and reliably to assess aortic valve dynamics in each of the patients in whom the technique was attempted without resorting to either transseptal or direct left ventricular puncture.