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Complications of transradial catheterization
Vineet K Dandekar1, Mladen I Vidovich, Adhir R Shroff
1Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Interventional Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA.
Insights
Transradial catheterization, a minimally invasive cardiac procedure, offers benefits but carries specific risks like radial artery spasm and occlusion. This review details complication prevention and management strategies for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Interventions
Background:
- Transradial approach for cardiac catheterization is gaining traction in the US, but adoption lags behind international standards.
- Understanding unique complications associated with transradial catheterization is crucial for operators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of transradial catheterization complications.
- To provide evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies for common and rare complications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of transradial catheterization complications.
- Analysis of complication prevalence and management techniques.
Main Results:
- Radial artery spasm and occlusion are the most frequent complications.
- Bleeding events like hematomas and perforations are less common but can be severe.
- Minor practice adjustments can effectively manage most complications.
Conclusions:
- Operators must be aware of transradial catheterization risks, including spasm and occlusion.
- Effective prevention and treatment strategies exist for managing transradial catheterization complications.
- Wider adoption can be facilitated by addressing operator concerns regarding complications.
Abstract:
Cardiac catheterization via the transradial approach has increased in the United States over the past few years; however, wide-scale adoption still lags in comparison to many international health care systems. Transradial catheterization has a unique set of complications and risks that each operator must appreciate. Radial artery spasm and radial artery occlusion are the most common complications, while bleeding complications such as hematomas and perforations are much less frequent. Each of these issues can be managed successfully with minor changes to one's practice. In this review of the current state of the art, the reader will develop an appreciation for the prevalence of each of the common complications as well as the less common, but potentially highly morbid, events. Throughout this evidence-based review, practical prevention strategies and specific treatment pathways are described for each issue that is covered.
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Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
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Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
