Newswise — In an innovative new procedure, interventional cardiologist Ramesh Mazhari, MD, is one of only a few in the Washington, DC, region to access the coronary arteries through the radial artery on the inside of the wrist.
How Cardiac Catheterization WorksIn cardiac catheterization, doctors thread a thin catheter to the coronary arteries in the heart. Using X-ray movies, they look for signs of heart disease and determine the size and location of fat and calcium deposits that narrow the openings in the arteries. Doctors also may use tiny balloons and stents to open blocked vessels and restore blood flow to the heart.
In traditional cardiac catheterization, doctors reach the heart through a catheter inserted in the large (femoral) artery in the thigh. After this procedure, patients usually stay at the hospital overnight and must lie in bed for four or more hours to prevent bleeding from the femoral artery. However, when the catheter is inserted into the radial artery on the inside of the wrist, patients typically can sit up immediately after the procedure.
Fewer Risks, Less BleedingTransradial catheterizations through the wrist are routinely done in Asia and Europe, where it’s estimated that as many as 50 percent of procedures are performed this way. Dr. Mazhari has completed more than 200 transradial cardiac angiography and angioplasty procedures.
“This technique almost completely eliminates the risk of major bleeding,” Dr. Mazhari says. “Radial arteries are smaller and closer to the surface, and patients wear inflatable wrist bands that compress their arteries to prevent bleeding.”
Advantages for Older PatientsTransradial catheterization is especially appealing to older patients, and patients with chronic back pain and obesity, who would have difficulty lying down for hours after traditional cardiac catheterization.
Patients who have advanced kidney disease, previously had coronary artery bypass surgery or have complex cases that require larger catheters may be better suited to the femoral approach.
“We’ve had great feedback from patients and nurses,” Dr. Mazhari says. “Patients can sit up and walk within minutes, and they recover faster.”
Be Smart About Your HeartFor a referral to a cardiologist, please call 1-888-4GW-DOCS or visitwww.gwhospital.com/heart.
Patient story/Sidebar
William Sanford, 65, was at work when he was overcome with dizziness and tightness n his chest. Knowing something was wrong, he had his colleague call 9-1-1. William, who now works in management on Capitol Hill, had spent nearly ten years working in an area cardiac catheterization lab as a technician where he’d assisted with thousands of femoral procedures. So when William was told by the doctors at GW Hospital that he needed a cardiac catheterization to determine the cause of his chest pain he “was dreading having to lie still for a long time” afterwards. He was surprised to find the doctor would go through his wrist and that he’d be able sit up immediately following the procedure. Recalling the catheterization, William said it was a “piece of cake” and that he only felt some pressure on his wrist.
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