A Technic of Vascular Catheterization with Small Plastic Catheters

A method of vascular catheterization is presented in which small polyvinyl catheters are introduced into peripheral vessels through 18 to 21 gage needles and then advanced into the central vascular bed. This technic has been utilized in the study of hemodynamic events occurring in the central arterial vessels in man. The results obtained from 31 arterial catheterizations done in 21 subjects are reported. Utilizing this technic, it has been impossible to catheterize the pulmonary artery in man. However, the method has proved useful in the study of right atrial and central venous pressure changes.