Why Radial Artery Intervention is Better

Classically, a coronary angiogram is done to diagnose the etiology (cause) of a cardiac problem and the procedure engages placement of catheters into the femoral artery, exacting them into the coronary arteries and injecting contrast dye to envision them. When the groin is used for arterial entrance, it might be mandatory for the patients to recline for six hours to finalize the process. But that is not the case anymore because at present some activist physicians at Louisiana State University are doing angiograms making use of the radial artery; as a result, the time for the process is cut from several hours to fewer than 90 minutes. Prior to dispensing this modus operandi, an interventional cardiologist carries out the Allen’s test (which involves obstruction of patient’s radial and ulnar arteries to ensure circulation)

In case, re-permeation occurs in less than five seconds, it indicates that the patient is ready for it. Preceding the process, some tranquilizer is given to calm down the patient besides keeping the lumen of the artery patent. After putting on a local anesthetic to anesthetize the wrist, the cardiologist pops in a micro puncture needle, and then puts in a guide wire over it, pursuing the brachial artery under fluoroscopy; subsequently, the Terumo Optitorque catheter is placed through the covering and p a blend of three medications is provided to keep the vessel patent, during the process. Once over and done with, the cardiologist strips off the catheter and places a band on the radial artery to squeeze the blood vessel. In about 90 minutes, the patient is discharged.

This line of attack is predominantly useful for the following:

1. Fat individuals
2. Those afflicted with peripheral vascular disease of the lower limbs
3. In case preservation of the groin is desired
4. For processes such as stenting