In 17 patients with common bile duct calculi, percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation of the distal common bile duct and the ampulla of Vater (hepaticopancreatic ampulla) was performed. The calculi were pushed into the duodenum with the catheter, and all were removed without significant complications. This method of calculus removal is an effective alternative to surgery or endoscopic sphincterotomy.

A simplified method of selective antegrade catheterization of the superficial femoral artery using a movable-core guide wire is described. This technique obviates the need for multiple catheter and guide wire manipulations and exchanges when preferential passage of the guide wire into the profunda femoral artery occurs following antegrade common femoral artery puncture.

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A chart analysis for a 5-year period through December 1992 identified four full-term neonates with lobar hemorrhage. Prenatal and obstetrical histories were uncomplicated; all infants presented with seizures within 48 h following birth. Perinatal asphyxia and isoimmune thrombocytopenia were associated with lobar hemorrhage in two children. Although computed tomography was sufficient for diagnosis, magnetic resonance evaluation provided assessment of specific cortical injury and the age of the hemorrhage. No infant underwent surgical intervention; three children reached developmental milestones at a mean follow-up of 3.3 years.

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