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Out With the Old,
in With the New
From the 1950s until recently, the
most common entry point for cardiac
catheterization has been the femoral
artery in the groin. Today, approximately
10 percent of cardiologists in the United
States offer a new approach with the
entry point in the radial artery in the wrist.
This is called transradial catheterization.
One analysis of the two approaches to
cardiac catheterization found a
73 percent relative reduction of
complications with the transradial
approach. Another study found that
the transradial approach cut bleeding
complications in half. Bleeding
complications are important to recognize
because many patients who need the
procedure take blood-thinning medication,
which can complicate stopping their
bleeding after the procedure. Because
the radial artery is smaller and in a more
confined space, the bleeding risks
are reduced.
Diagnostic –
A cardiac
catheterization, often called
an angiogram or left heart
catheterization, is used to diagnose
cardiovascular conditions including
coronary artery disease, valvular
disease and heart failure.
Treatment –
It also can be used
to treat conditions. This is called
angioplasty, or PCI (percutaneous
coronary intervention), which
involves a catheter with a balloon
on the end to unblock an artery of
the heart. The balloon is inflated
when it reaches its goal and
removes the blockage. Physicians
also can place a stent (a small mesh
metal device) in an artery to prop it
open during angioplasty.
Once patients
learn about the
risks and benefits,
they prefer the
transradial over the
femoral approach.
Stewart Allen, MD
“
“
“The medical evidence in favor of
transradial catheterization is compelling,”
says Stewart Allen, MD. “I opt for the
transradial approach if it is appropriate
for the specific patient. Once patients
learn about the risks and benefits,
they prefer the transradial over the
femoral approach.”
After your transradial catheterization, you
will wear a pressure band around the wrist
on the affected arm for about an hour.
You can get up almost immediately, and
you will usually remain at the hospital for
only a couple of hours for observation.
Compare and contrast that to femoral
catheterization through the groin. This
requires you to lie flat on a bed for
several hours afterward, sometimes with
prolonged, constant pressure placed on
the site of the procedure. This can be
difficult for any patient but especially
so for those who are obese, elderly or
have back problems.
Clear Benefits
THE BENEFITS DR. ALLEN
REFERS TO INCLUDE:
•
Reduced bleeding
complications.
•
Decreased risk of
rehospitalization.
•
Faster recovery.
•
Improved patient comfort.
•
Reduced overall costs.
What Is Cardiac
Catheterization
Used For?
Stewart Allen, MD
If you need cardiac
catheterization, it is well
worth your time to ask about
transradial catheterizations.
“
“
To learn more about transradial
catheterization, call us at
888.529.9018.
Stewart Allen, MD
Interventional
Cardiologist
