What is radial artery catheterization?

What is transradial cardiac catheterization? Transradial cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to treat and diagnose certain heart conditions. It is also known as transradial cardiac cath or angiography. During the procedure, a healthcare provider inserts a long thin tube (catheter) through the radial artery.

Why is the radial artery used for catheterization?

Using the radial artery rather than the femoral artery may reduce the risk of bleeding from the puncture site, particularly in patients who are obese or require blood thinning agents to treat their heart condition. There are, however, risks unique to radial artery catheterization.

Why is radial artery preferred for PCI?

The radial approach virtually eliminates access site complications after PCI, even in patients treated with aggressive antithrombotic regimens, and allows rapid mobilisation of the patient. Transradial PCI thus has major advantages both in unstable patients with acute coronary syndromes and in elective cases.

What is the common catheter used for radial access?

The most commonly used catheter to perform radial coronary angiogram is the 5F TIG catheter by Terumo. This catheter has a special hydrophilic coating which prevent spasm and the same catheter can be used to cannulate both left and right coronary arteries.

Where is radial artery?

forearm
The radial artery runs on the inside of the forearm from the elbow to the thumb. The artery lies just under the surface of the skin. You may be able to see the blue or purple vein inside your wrist where the artery brings blood to the thumb.

What does radial artery supply?

The radial artery supplies the posterolateral aspect of the forearm as well as vascular territories including the elbow joint, carpal bones, thumb, and lateral index finger.

Where is the radial artery?

The radial and ulnar arteries originate as a bifurcation of the axillary artery in the cubital fossa and serve as the major perforators to the forearm. Following its bifurcation, the radial artery runs along the lateral aspect of the forearm between the brachioradialis and flexor carpi radialis muscles.

What does the radial artery supply?

The radial artery is a blood vessel that supplies blood to the forearm (lower part of the arm) and hand. Arteries carry blood out to the body.

What happens after a radial heart catheterization?

It is normal to experience the following at your procedure site: • A small amount of bleeding from the site for 48 hours after the procedure. Bruising (may take 2-3 weeks to go away) • Slight numbness or tingling in your hand after the procedure that should improve over several hours.

What type of artery is the radial artery?

The radial artery is a terminal branch of the brachial artery and arises at the cubital fossa of the forearm. It is one of the two main arteries of the forearm, along with the ulnar artery.

What protects the radial artery?

As alluded to above, the radial artery at its distal end of the forearm (i.e. before the wrist) lies on the anterior surface and is only covered by skin and fascia. This is a common place to measure the pulse rate of a patient as a means to assess heart rate, cardiac rhythm and pulse strength.

Why is the radial artery important?

The radial artery provides blood supply to the elbow joint, lateral forearm muscles, radial nerve, carpal bones and joints, thumb, and lateral side of the index finger.

Why is the radial artery used for arterial catheterization?

More Slideshows. An indwelling arterial catheter allows for continuous blood pressure monitoring, frequent blood sampling, and arterial blood gas measurement. The radial artery is chosen for cannulation primarily because of the superficial nature of the vessel and ease of maintenance of the site.

How do you use an arterial catheterization catheter?

Position the catheter and needle at an angle of 30-45 degrees from the skin with the needle bevel up. Advance the arterial catheterization catheter and needle toward the artery at an angle of 30-45 degrees from the skin until a flash of blood is noted in the clear hub of the introducer needle.

How do you flush a radial artery catheter?

Flush the radial artery catheter slowly with 1-2 mL of heparinized flush and monitor for infiltration. If the catheter is within the artery, the skin around the insertion site blanches during catheter flushing. Secure the angiocatheter hub to the skin with Steri-Strips™, tape, or suture.

What is the difference between radial and femoral catheterization?

In general, patients find radial catheterization more comfortable than femoral catheterization because they are able to sit up, walk, and eat immediately. This is a particular advantage for patients with back problems because there is no need for heavy pressure on the leg and prolonged immobility.