Gravity large field phlebography of the limbs.

For the last two decades the most common method of radiographic study of the venous system of the lower limbs has been ascending phlebography, by injection of contrast material in a superficial vein on the dorsum of the foot. We report our own experience with another approach, using a large field technique on recumbent patients, with elevation of the limbs, thus taking advantage of gravity. The contrast injection is usually made in a more distal superficial vein of the foot after a tiny cut-down. Excellent results are consistently obtained in demonstrating all the deep veins, including the iliac vessels. The same principles may be applied to upper limb phlebography.