Transureteral Phonocatheter Recording of the Renal Arterial Pulse

The renal artery and iliac artery pulses were recorded indirectly during split renal function studies in hypertensive patients suspected of having renal vascular lesions. A phonocatheter was easily passed up each ureter and the pulses were recorded at the level of the crossing of the iliac artery and again in the renal pelvis. In patients with renal vascular occlusion, there was a distinct diminution in the amplitude of the transmitted renal arterial pulse as compared to the unoccluded side. The recording of vascular bruits from each side was helpful in localizing their origin. Selected cases confirmed at surgery were presented.