Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is among Arizona’s first hospitals to offer radial artery cardiac catheterization, a pioneering and proven procedure for heart patients. This technique allows YRMC interventional cardiologists to diagnose blockages in the arteries of the heart and offers several advantages over traditional heart catheterization, which is done through the leg.
“Most people are familiar with cardiac catheterization through the femoral artery in the leg,” said James D’Antonio, M.D., YRMC interventional cardiologist. “Radial artery cardiac catheterization is done through the artery at the base of the wrist beneath the thumb.”
During the procedure, a tube called a sheath is inserted into the radial artery. Through the sheath, catheters (soft tubes) are advanced over a wire to the heart’s arteries. Pictures of the arteries are taken and, if necessary, blockages can be treated with stents or balloon angioplasty.
“Patients and nursing staff love this technique for cardiac care,” said Dr. D’Antonio. “It is more comfortable for my patients. This approach limits the need for prolonged bedrest, is easier for the nurses to manage after procedures, and virtually eliminates bleeding risks, which can be serious and lead to worse outcomes.”
Dr. D’Antonio trained in cardiac catheterization in Pittsburgh and was exposed to radial artery cardiac catheterization early in the development of the technique. Several studies since have validated the radial approach to cardiac catheterization. Dr. D’Antonio noted that one study demonstrated that patients who present with heart attacks are more likely to survive if the procedure is done with the radial approach.
“It is the patients who are most likely to have bleeding complications who get the added safety benefit: the elderly, women and patients considered to be overweight,” said Dr. D’Antonio.
Not all patients are suitable for radial artery cardiac catheterization due to other medical issues. Also, the individual must have adequate hand circulation.
“I think it’s great that YRMC has the ability to offer patients every option for their heart catheterization procedures,” said Dr. D’Antonio. QCBN
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