Selective coronary arteriography by direct serial radiography

Experience in 50 patients of direct serial radiography for selective coronary arteriography is presented. Modification of the Judkins' method has resulted in a simplified technique. A patient-rotating cradle has been used and in addition to the left lateral, and left anterior oblique projections, the left posterior oblique 60° projection has been preferred to the right anterior oblique 20° view. This has minimized patient movement. The quality of the films has been maintained at an acceptable level. The normal appearances of the coronary arteries and examples of abnormal findings are illustrated. The cardiac complications seen were: ventricular fibrillation in one patient (successfully defibrillated), asystole in one patient (resuscitation failed), and one patient developed cardiac infarction some hours after investigation. Two patients had femoral thrombosis, at the site of the arterial puncture, relieved surgically.