Ergonovine provocative testing: description of a "double catheter technique".

Abstract

Since coronary arteries should be immediately accessible during ergonovine provocative testing (EPT), a double catheter technique is described. Using the catheter sheath technique from the right and left femoral arteries, right and left Judkins' catheters are introduced into each femoral artery. Selective coronary cineangiography during EPT is thus rapidly performed without the delay of exchanging catheters. Should coronary arterial spasm occur during the test, nitroglycerin can be administered into the coronary artery without delay.