Epicardial ultrasound guidance of coronary catheter placement in an experimental animal model.

We evaluated epicardial ultrasonography with a 10-MHz transducer for coronary catheter guidance in 18 normal pigs. A modified long-axis view of the aortic root was used to direct a coronary catheter into the root, and then with a short-axis view of the aortic root, the catheter tip was placed selectively into either the right or the left main coronary artery. Subsequently, with modified coronary views, an angioplasty infusion catheter was guided with precision to the exact location desired in the coronary artery. Position was confirmed by direct visualization and palpation of the epicardial vessels, and the procedure was completed within 5 to 15 minutes without complication. Epicardial ultrasonography is a suitable alternative to fluoroscopy for guidance of coronary catheter placement in an open-chest experimental model.