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Published on: April 1, 2022
Radial Arteriovenous Fistula Formation After Transradial Cardiac Catheterization
Barbara Senger1, Hassan Eidy1, Andrew Gray2
1Internal Medicine, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital, Farmington Hills, USA.
Insights
Transradial coronary catheterization, a common procedure, can rarely lead to arteriovenous fistula formation. This case details a patient diagnosed with a radial arteriovenous fistula seven weeks after the procedure, requiring surgical repair.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Transradial access is increasingly preferred for cardiac catheterization due to its benefits over femoral access.
- Despite advantages, transradial procedures carry risks, including the rare complication of arteriovenous fistula formation.
Observation:
- This case report details a patient who developed a radial arteriovenous fistula.
- The fistula was identified seven weeks after undergoing transradial coronary catheterization.
Findings:
- The patient presented with symptoms related to the iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical evaluation and likely imaging (though not explicitly stated in the abstract).
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing arteriovenous fistulas as a potential complication of transradial catheterization.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management, such as surgical repair, are crucial for favorable patient outcomes.
Abstract:
More than one million cardiac catheterization procedures are performed each year in the United States for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Obtaining access through the radial artery has gained popularity in recent years due to its economic as well as its morbidity and mortality benefits over femoral artery access. However, with any invasive procedure there are associated risks, including arteriovenous fistula formation. This case illustrates the formation of an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula as a complication of transradial coronary catheterization. Albeit rare, this case will discuss the presentation and clinical course of a patient who was diagnosed with a radial arteriovenous fistula seven weeks post-cardiac catheterization. Ultimately, she underwent direct surgical repair with ligation of the venous branches of the arteriovenous circulation.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Assessment 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:
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation