Outpatient femoral arteriography: Results in 1000 patients

During the period between 1 January 1983 and 1 July 1986, 1067 patients underwent a variety of arteriographic procedures on an outpatient basis. Angiographic goals were to achieve the highest quality examination with the least risk, little or no pain, and no need for repeat examinations. A combination of DSA and film screen angiograms were performed, often both methods of imaging employed in the same patient. Examinations included non-selective and selective studies with no limitations based on outpatient status. Eight patients required admission immediately following the 4 h observation period with an admission rate of 0.8%. The increased safety and reduced cost of this method of angiography as well as high patient acceptance make this the angiographic method of choice if no other reason for hospitalisation exists. Although this method of angiography has been reported in the past^1-3, interest in outpatient studies was rekindled initially by the development of IV-DSA, and more recently by changes in hospital reimbursement mechanisms. Limitations of intravenous angiography soon became apparent as reported^4,5 and were inconsistent with our angiographic goals: to achieve the highest quality angiographic examination, with the least risk, little or no pain, with no need for repeat examinations. The following study reports on experience performing arteriographic examinations employing both digital subtraction angiographic techniques and conventional film/screen recording in a community hospital setting.