More than 1 million heart catheterizations are completed in this country every year. It is a safe and effective
procedure to both look for blockages in the heart and treat blockages. At Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular
Hospital, we continue to improve safety, reduce hospital stays and improve the patient experience by
performing these procedures through a tiny puncture in the wrist. Traditionally, this procedure has been done
from a puncture in the leg, but studies have shown that by going through the wrist, physicians can achieve the
same results with a shorter hospital stay and with less bleeding or discomfort.
Transradial Cardiac Catheterization – Through the Wrist
ADRIANA’S TRANSRADIAL STORY
Adriana Oviedo knew the women in her
family had a history of heart disease. Her
aunt and her grandmother suffered heart
attacks and passed away. That’s why,
when the 35-year-old from Dallas began to notice that she
was unable to exercise, she and her mother became concerned.
“I would feel anxious and be short of breath just walking to
my car,” said Adriana. “My arm ached and I felt like I was
breathing in cold air that burned my lungs.”
Because of her age, work and lifestyle, the transradial approach
was a good option for Adriana. Adriana continues to see her
cardiologist for monitoring and any follow-up care required.
Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital’s data indicates a
near zero complication rate from transradial catheterization.
She sought diagnosis from her primary care physician who
prescribed an anti-anxiety medication and asked her to
follow up in two months. Her symptoms got worse and she
was referred to a cardiologist on the medical staff of Baylor
Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital. While her stress test
results were within normal limits, the cardiologist remained
concerned because of her family history and her symptoms.
He ordered a CT scan.
The scan shocked Adriana and her mother. It showed a 70
percent blockage in her heart. Three days later, she was in the
catheterization lab at Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular
Hospital. An interventional cardiologist on the hospital’s
medical staff performed a transradial cardiac catheterization
to clear the blockage. The transradial approach introduced the
catheter through a small incision in Adriana’s wrist, rather
than the traditional approach of introducing it through the
groin. Patients who undergo a transradial catheterization
generally experience shorter hospital stays, most go home the
same day of their procedure, less discomfort and less bleeding.
Adriana was in the hospital for less than one day.
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