Trans radial coronary angioplasty is one of the modern approaches to treat heart diseases. Any damage to the arteries is minimized with this procedure and less bleeding is associated with the same.
The radial artery is one part of brachial artery in the cubical Forsa. Angioplasty is done via the radial artery. It is well tolerated compared to other procedures considering the mimimal level of complications involved.
The transradial approach for performing coronary angiography was proposed by Campeau in 1989. It is betterment approach from the femoral way of angioplasty. Many Interventional Cardiologists are using this approach and it has gained wide acceptance in Asia and particularly India.
The Procedure :
The radial artery is located through the fore arm and is punctured through a needle after which a rapid exchange balloon cathther is released which guides to the site and angioplasty is done.
Advantages :
- Safe Procedure
- Vascular aftermath complications are minimized
- Less bleeding and other associated complications
- No prolonged compression, and early ambulation can take place
- Cost effective and value for money
- Survival rate and quality of life improves at a faster pace.
- The radial artery is smaller in size than that of femoral artery, but allows most catheters to be inserted freely.
- The radial artery is close to the skin surface, making the initial needle puncture simple.
- A small compression can help hemostasis to be reached
- Prevents formation blood clots.
- The radial artery is far from any major nerve preventing “ nicking” of the major nerve.
- The healing process is quick and easy
- Has become a day procedure
The complications reported are very low. The technique can not been applied in patients with abnormal Ostia of LCA and RCA or in patients with a dilated aortic root.
It is process which involves through know how of the technique, which is not present in many hospitals. At KIMS our interventional Cardiologists have performed many such procedures and achieved cent per cent results.