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Bradycardia during Transradial Cardiac Catheterization due to Catheter Manipulation: Resolved by Catheter Removal
Maheedhar Gedela1, Vishesh Kumar2, Kashif Abbas Shaikh1
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
Insights
Bradycardia during transradial cardiac catheterization can be resolved by catheter pullback. This technique helps manage heart rate issues during coronary angiograms via radial artery access.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Transradial cardiac catheterization is a common procedure for coronary angiography.
- Bradycardia is a potential complication during cardiac catheterization procedures.
Observation:
- Two patients undergoing transradial coronary angiography developed significant bradycardia.
- Bradycardia occurred upon catheter engagement in the ascending aorta or near the right brachiocephalic trunk.
Findings:
- The catheter pullback technique effectively resolved bradycardia in both reported cases.
- This suggests mechanical stimulation of aortic arch or carotid sinus receptors may cause bradycardia.
Implications:
- Catheter pullback is a viable bedside technique for managing bradycardia during transradial procedures.
- Awareness of this complication can improve patient safety in interventional cardiology.
Abstract:
Purpose. To report the resolution of bradycardia encountered during transradial cardiac catheterization through the catheter pullback technique in two cases. Case Report. A 62-year-old male and an 81-year-old male underwent coronary angiogram to evaluate for coronary artery disease and as a result of positive stress test, respectively. Upon engagement of the FL 3.5 catheter into the ascending aorta through the transradial approach, the first case developed bradycardia with a heart rate of 39 beats per minute. The second case developed profound bradycardia with a heart rate of 25 beats per minute upon insertion of the 5 Fr FL 3.5 catheter near the right brachiocephalic trunk through the right radial access. Conclusion. Bradycardia can be subsided by removal of the catheter during catheter manipulation in patients undergoing transradial coronary angiogram if there is a suspicion of excessive stretching of aortic arch receptors and/or carotid sinus receptors.
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