Catheterization of the Splenic Artery for Portal Venography

Abstract

SHORTLY after Abeatici and Campi,¹ in 1951, introduced direct percutaneous splenic puncture as a method of performing splenoportal venography in dogs this became the standard roentgenographic method of demonstrating the portal venous system in man. The usual indication for this examination is the evaluation of portal hypertension. Demonstration of portal-vein patency is essential before surgical shunting procedures performed in an attempt to alleviate the danger of hemorrhage from varices secondary to the hypertension. Less common indications for splenoportography include the demonstration of varices, liver masses and, occasionally, invasion of the splenic or portal vein by tumor.Direct puncture of the . . .