percutaneous catheter placement, a technique in which an intracatheter is introduced through the skin into an artery and placed at a site or structure to be studied by selective angiography and other diagnostic procedures. The puncture site is infiltrated with a local anesthetic before insertion of the catheter. A special needle is inserted into the artery, and a long, flexible, spring guide is passed through the needle for approximately 15 cm. The needle is then removed, the catheter is advanced to the desired position, and the guide is withdrawn. The catheter is withdrawn at the end of the procedure.
