Judkins-type guiding catheters are designed for selective engagement of which arteries?

• A. Pulmonary arteries.
• B. Aortic branches.
• C. Left and right coronary arteries.
• D. Carotid arteries.

Answer: (C)

Judkins-type guiding catheters are designed to selectively engage the coronary arteries. Their preformed curves are tailored to the takeoff angles of the coronary ostia from the aorta, with a Judkins Left curve for the left coronary system and a Judkins Right curve for the right coronary artery. This design allows precise cannulation of the coronary ostia to deliver contrast and guide interventions. They are not used for selective engagement of pulmonary arteries or carotid arteries, which require different catheters and approaches, nor are they aimed at imaging general aortic branches. The key idea is matching the catheter’s curve to the origin of the coronary arteries so the vessels can be accessed cleanly and safely.