Percutaneous Heart Catheterization in Infants and Children

Abstract

This report describes in detail the materials and methods used in the authors' laboratory for percutaneous insertion of catheters and for manipulation of catheters with guide wires in infants and children. A simple thin-walled spinal needle is used to enter femoral vessels initially. Catheter insertion is effected thereafter with the sequential uses of a guide wire, a dilator, and an end-hole catheter. Insertion of two or three catheters into a single vessel may be accomplished. In infants weighing less than 20 pounds, dilation of the vascular puncture wound may be accomplished in stages. Guide wires of different configurations are used for catheter manipulation into various cardiac structures including some which are relatively inaccessible. Guide wires are also used for catheter exchange. Angiograms of high quality may be obtained safely.