Performance of angiocardiography and cardiac catheterization as a combined procedure

The routine employment of both angiocardiography and cardiac catheterization as a combined procedure has been described. The degree to which their respective findings complement and amplify one another has been illustrated by several cases. Certain procedural modifications have been described which significantly reduce the total time and personnel required for the performance of these studies without making them more hazardous. Particular emphasis has been placed on use of the basilic vein high in the arm for the insertion of a polyethylene catheter. Through it a less than usual amount of dye has been injected close to the heart. This has resulted in dependable visualization of the left heart and aorta by angiocardiography. Subsequently, the same vein has been used for catheterization, as a part of the same procedure.