CARDIOVASCULAR RADIOLOGY IN CALVES.

An experience in radiographic control of cardiac catheterization procedures in calves is presented. The calf proves to be a feasible laboratory animal for cardiovascular research. Specific problems encountered were related primarily to the size of the animal, its vascular arrangement, handling, anesthesia and radiographic limitations. Radiographs and drawings are included to illustrate cardiovascular anatomy and (he various patterns achieved with venous and arterial catheters. To our knowledge, this roentgen-anatomic information has been hitherto unavailable and is presented to aid other investigators in utilization of the cow in cardiovascular research. Without roentgenologic control accurate placement of catheters in the bovine heart and great vessels is difficult because of the ease with which certain relatively minor vessels can be entered. ‘Blind’ passage may lead to unperceived misplacement of the catheter and subsequent collection of erroneous or confusing hemodynamic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]