A standard perfusion apparatus for angiography.

Abstract

As the scope for angiography increases, the need for efficient standardised equipment has arisen. Successive injections of opaque solution are always required for a full examination which may involve lateral, oblique or stereoscopic projections to supplement the first views. Experience has shown that repeated injections, often up to a total of 100 c.c. of 35 per cent diodone into the cerebral circulation, have caused no subsequent trouble. Without apparatus designed for the purpose these multiple injections are certainly difficult and potentially dangerous. The apparatus to be described has been in daily use since 1948 in the X-ray Department of Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, for all forms of angiography, principally carotid injections, but aortography, venography, angiocardiography, cardiac catheterisation, arterial transfusions and blood sampling are also equally suited. The equipment, now standardised, is packed complete, but dismembered into a single square drum for autoclaving; reassembly and use is quickly understood by the generations of training radiologists, registrars and house surgeons who learn to operate the apparatus. Essentially this comprises needle, 4 mm polythene tubing and syringe-mount, all having Luer-lok fittings for safety. These fittings are drilled out to 2 mm bore to permit rapid injection of opaque fluids. Through a T-piece with tap control on the syringe-mount a continuous drip of heparinised saline (5000 I.U. per litre) is supplied from a pressurised saline outfit on stand. No ill-effects from this small dose of heparin have been found during subsequent operations on our patients.