(Provided by Transradialuniversity.com)
For many patients who undergo cardiac catheterization (angiogram) and/or angioplasty/stent placement, the worst part of the procedure actually occurs after the entire process is over. Traditionally, transfemoral catheterization involves insertion of a thin tube, or catheter, into the major artery in the groin and threading it into the heart. After procedure completion, forceful pressure is applied (either manually or with a large clamp) for awhile on the puncture site to prevent bleeding. Subsequently, the patient must remain in bed, with the leg straight, for several hours. Many complain of significant muscle cramps and backaches. Safety-wise, there is an ever-present risk of bleeding associated with this approach, especially in larger individuals. Since the groin, or femoral, artery is deeply embedded in layers of tissue, even significant internal bleeding may not be readily apparent. Furthermore, external pressure may not be transmitted sufficiently to control the bleeding in all situations. In cases of severe bleeding complications, transfusions and potentially vascular surgery may be required.
There is good news, however. Northside Cardiology, P.C. is the only cardiology group in the greater Atlanta area to routinely offer a more comfortable and safer alternative. Transradial catheterization and/or angioplasty/stent placement is performed through the wrist. Post-procedurally, individuals wear a small wrist compression device and are free to sit up or ambulate, without the need to lie recumbent in bed. Patients uniformly prefer this approach, as it is much more comfortable and allows for greater mobility and freedom. Additionally, there is no intrusion into sensitive and private body areas; and patients consider it less invasive. Most patients can typically be discharged much earlier. Most importantly, multiple large-scale studies have confirmed the greater safety of this technique, as compared with the aforementioned transfemoral approach. There is essentially no risk of bleeding, and the potential for artery damage is likewise markedly minimized.1-5 This enhanced safety is due to the very superficial position of the wrist, or radial, artery; any bleeding issue is easily visible and can be readily controlled by firm external pressure. Additionally, nerve damage is minimized by this strategy, as the major nerve is located far from the radial artery. The opposite is true for the transfemoral approach.
The technical training and skills required for this approach, however, have limited its prevalence locally. Dr. Chen has performed the most transradial catheterizations and angioplasty/stent procedures of any other physician in the metropolitan Atlanta area. In addition to having written and published extensively on this topic, to help train other doctors, he also runs a course whereby cardiologists from around the country come to learn this technique.
Moreover, stent implantation currently requires an overnight admission in many cases; however, Dr. Jack Chen recently co-authored a study demonstrating the safety of same-day discharge for patients undergoing transradial stent deployment.5 Since patients can walk immediately after the procedure, there is no need to lie still on an uncomfortable stretcher. Accordingly, Dr. Chen has designed for St. Joseph’s Heart and Vascular Institute a post-procedural Transradial Lounge which was showcased at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions in Atlanta in March, 2010. The first of its kind in this country, the wood-paneled Lounge resembles more an airport lounge or café than a hospital recovery room. There are no stretchers; patients relax in reclining lounge chairs and are free to walk about. Patients enjoy individual high-definition televisions (you can bring in your favorite DVD to play) and Wi-Fi internet to check emails or surf online. We have created a relaxing, non-clinical environment to help reduce the patients’ anxieties and apprehensions.
The vast majority of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization will qualify for the transradial approach. However, it may not be applicable to some individuals with suboptimal circulation in the hand or those with history of bypass surgery. This technique is especially beneficial in larger patients (higher risk of bleeding from the groin), those with peripheral artery disease (leg artery blockages), those with back or spine problems (problems with prolonged recumbency), or those with restless legs syndrome (cannot keep leg still). Nonetheless, all patients will enjoy the comfort and mobility of transradial coronary intervention.
We have been routinely performing this procedure for over 6 years. If you may need a cardiac catheterization or angiogram, please inquire with your personal physician or cardiac care provider regarding this procedural innovation. Our physicians and staff at Northside Cardiology, P.C. (www.nscatl.com) welcome any questions you may have on this or other areas of care for your heart.
Also see other related websites:
After Transradial stent placement, patient walks off catheterization table, completely mobile, with only a small bandage around the wrist (arrow).
After Transfemoral catheterization, force is applied to the groin to stop bleeding; and the patient must lie completely still in bed for several hours, usually resulting in significant back, hip, and leg cramps. The “Clamp” to the right is often substituted for manual pressure.
References:
Chen JP. Repeat right transradial coronary intervention in a patient with dextrocardia: the right approach to the right-sided heart. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions 2007; 69(2): 223-226.
Kiemeneij F, Laarman GJ. Percutaneous transradial artery approach for coronary Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation. American Heart Journal 1994;128:167-174.
Jonas E, Horlick E, Ivanov, Seidelin PH, Ross JR, Ing D, et al. Decreased complication rates using the transradial compared to the transfemoral approach in percutaneous coronary intervention in the era of routine stenting and glycoprotein platelet IIb/IIIa inhibitor use: a large single-center experience. American Heart Journal 2008;156(5):864-870.
Jabara R, Gadesam R, Pendayala L, Chronos N, Crisco LV-T, Chen JP. Same-day Trans-Radial Intervention and Discharge Evaluation (the STRIDE Study). American Heart Journal (In press).
Exercise
Treadmill Test (ETT)
The exercise treadmill test is done while you walk on a treadmill.
During the test, an electrocardiogram (EKG) records the electrical
activity of your heart. There are many different treadmill protocols
available. We use the Bruce protocol. This is the standard protocol
used in cardiology practices to evaluate the heart and its response to
exercise. The test has many stages, each of which are three minutes in
duration, with each advancing stage, the speed and degree of incline
increases, causing your heart rate, respiratory rate, and systolic
blood pressure to rise. In general, exercise testing is very safe, but
because all tests, by nature, carry a small risk, the test will be
supervised and interpreted by a cardiologist. If you develop chest
pain, or shortness of breath during the test, let the physician know.
Echocardiogram
The echocardiogram is an ultrasound study which allows us to visualize
the heart, its size, valves, and chambers to more adequately evaluate
their functions. There is no discomfort associated and no preparation
involved. Your echocardiogram takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Holter
Monitor The holter monitor is an ambulatory electrocardiogram. You will
wear five electrodes attached to a recorder (about the size of a
walkman). This recorder will record every beat that your heart makes, while
attached to you. You may not take a bath or shower while you are being
recorded. We recommend you bathe that morning. Holter monitors are
scheduled first thing in the morning or afternoon and must be promptly
returned the next day about the same time you received the monitor.
Failure to do so may result in the loss of recorded information by the
monitor.
Event
Monitor
This is an extended duration ambulatory monitor which is worn for
approximately one week. Events/symptoms may be transmitted via telephone.
This is given for transient episodes at the discretion of the
physician.
Myocardial refers to the heart. Perfusion is the passage of blood
through the circulatory system and imaging refers to computer generated
pictures. The test is done in two parts. In the first part, the heart
is stressed (the heart's arteries are expanded using a special
medication). Healthy or "normal" coronary arteries dilate
more than unhealthy or partially blocked arteries. Once the blood
vessels are dilated, a small amount of radioactive imaging agent is
injected. The imaging agent tends to concentrate in those parts of the
heart that have the best blood flow. The imaging agent emits signals
that can be detected by a special type of camera. Images taken by the
camera show if any part of your heart is not getting enough blood. In
the second part, two sets of pictures are taken. The first set shows
the arteries of the heart when the blood vessels are dilated. The second
set shows the heart during normal functioning, referred to as
"rest". The two sets of images are compared. A relatively
healthy heart shows little or no difference between images taken during
stress and those taken at rest. In a heart with partially blocked
arteries, images taken during stress are different from those taken at
rest.
256 slice Computed Tomography Angiography (64 slice CTA)
256 slice CTA is a new, state-of-the-art, non-invasive, diagnostic tool
that allows cardiologists to image the heart, blood vessels (coronary
arteries) and other cardiac structures non-invasively. The 256 slice CTA
can produce three dimensional, high quality diagnostic images of the
heart, aorta, lungs, and coronary circulation. Prior to the advent of
CTA, we needed an invasive angiogram (cardiac catheterization) in order
to see the coronary arteries but since 2005, we have been able to offer
this test and in many cases avoid the risks of an invasive
procedure. Further, we have diagnosed many cases of significant coronary
blockages missed by stress testing.
At the time of the patient’s arrival in the CT suite, the
patient will be fully assessed by a cardiac trained nurse (BLS/ACLS
certified). The patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, ECG,
and history will be reviewed. An intravenous line will be placed
into the patient’s arm for fluids and medication. Patients are
often given beta-blockers for a few days prior to the procedure to slow
the heart rate; this allows better image quality. IV Contrast is used
so be sure to tell your physician and nurse if you have an allergy to
dye or contrast. When the patient’s heart rate is slow and
stable, the CT examination is performed which only takes a few minutes
including the placement onto the table and the actual image acquisition
takes about 18 seconds to perform and the patient can leave immediately
after. Test results are usually available within 24 hours
This is a picture of a normal coronary artery imaged with CTA:
We can even see Coronary bypass grafts to determine if they are
open:
The procedure is very safe and accurate; in fact, we can be 98% sure
someone doesn’t have heart disease which means this test which is
better than current stress testing modalities. Essentially, 64 slice
CTA can quickly and
non-invasively exclude coronary artery disease, as well as diagnose its
presence.
Dr. Balk has been performing CTAs in Atlanta
since 2005 and is one of North Atlanta’s
highest volume operators and is currently working with colleagues to
develop an ER program for rapid diagnosis of chest pain syndromes using
CTA.
Other Tests
Other tests we offer include:
Stress Echo
Carotid Doppler Studies
Ankle-brachial Index
Measurements
In the hospital we perform a number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
including:
The Tower at Northside 5670
Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Suite 880 Atlanta, GA30342
Phone: 404-256-2525
Peachtree
Parkway Medical Campus 610 Peachtree Parkway
Suite 100 Cumming, GA30041
Phone: 678-679-4930
Accredited
Echocardiography
Laboratory
Our Dunwoody location is
conveniently located on the north side of Atlanta
at the highway intersection of I-285 and GA 400 in the The Tower at Northside adjacent
to NorthsideHospital.
Our Cumming office is located in the Peachtree Parkway Medical
Campus.
8:30
am to 5:00 pm M-F
During normal office hours, our staff is available for appointment
scheduling, clinical inquiries, and prescription refills. Please call
404-256-2525 to reach one of our staff members.
What is a clinical trial?
How do I participate? We are currently enrolling
patients for research studies.
For more information on current clinical trials, contact research@nscatl.com
