A technic of vascular catheterization with small plastic catheters; its utilization to measure the arterial pulse wave velocity in man.

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. C ATHETERIZATION procedures used to study the vascular dynamics in man necessitate exposure of a vessel to permit introduction of the large caliber catheters currently in use. The development of the Lilly capacitance manometer has made possible the recording of peripheral intra-arterial pressures with small plastic catheters.' Central vascular pressures can be recorded through similar cath-eters which are longer but of sufficiently small caliber that they may be inserted into the vascular system through an 18 to 20 gage needle.' This paper reports the use of this technic for venous and arterial catheterization and the results obtained during catheterization of the central and peripheral arteries in man.