Interventional Cardiology
MEASURING INNOVATION IN HEART AND VASCULAR CARE
Transradial Appoach ( continued )
Performed at Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital since 1996 , the procedure received greater attention after 2010 and 2011 with studies showing a reduction in mortality rates for high-risk patients who underwent transradial cardiac catheterization rather than the traditional transfemoral approach where the catheter is introduced through femoral artery .
According to Jeffrey M . Schussler , MD , FACC , FSCAI , FSCCT , FACP , cardiologist on the medical staff at Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital and medical director for cardiovascular intensive care ( CVICU ), “ Patients who have had this procedure both ways usually state that they prefer to have the procedure from the wrist . While there is a small reduction in risk , the real reason to do this is to improve the patient experience . It allows for shorter stays in the hospital . Nearly 100 percent of patients who have this procedure for diagnostic purposes go home the same day ,” says Dr . Schussler .
“ This process reduces the incidence of recovery complications including bleeding and other issues . Our own data shows a near zero vascular complication rate from transradial cardiac catheterization .”
Jeffrey M . Schussler , MD , FACC , FSCAI , FSCCT , FACP
Medical Director , Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit Medical Director , Cardiac Rehabilitation
Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital
The transradial approach does not require strict bedrest as is usual for a catheterization from the leg . Patients can eat almost immediately and are able to go home in a few hours . For some patients , especially the elderly , lying motionless on the back for up to eight hours may be challenging . Because the radial artery in the wrist is small , the patient can move off the cath lab table immediately after the procedure has been completed . After a brief recovery , individually dependent , patients typically resume normal activities in a few days .
Nearly one-third of all heart catheterizations are now performed with the transradial approach . Dr . Schussler says , “ Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital is one of the highest volume radial centers in North Texas . While not all patients are appropriate for this approach , we are seeing it become the procedure of first choice for many patients . It is an excellent addition to our extensive array of interventional cardiology treatments , including the traditional transfemoral catheterization procedure , which still comprises a large percentage of the cardiac catheterizations performed at Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital .”
RAISING AWARENESS OF ADULT CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
In fiscal year 2017 , Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital and Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas elevated the level of awareness about congenital heart defects and treatment options for adults living with congenital heart disease . “ Individuals with congenital heart defects often face problems later on in life ,” says Dr . Ari Cedars , medical director for adult congenital heart disease . “ Evaluation by a congenital heart disease specialist experienced with treatment options , including medical management and / or interventional procedures , is vital to optimizing patient outcomes .”
In addition to the growing volumes of patients treated with congenital heart disease on the Baylor Dallas campus in fiscal year 2017 , Baylor Dallas genetic counselors provided a much-needed service to patients referred for assessment .
In May 2017 , with the sponsorship and support of Dr . Cedars and the center , employees from Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital participated in the second annual Dallas / Fort Worth area walk to raise awareness and bring support to adults living with heart disease . Support for the Adult Congenital Heart Association will continue for its outreach efforts in the Dallas and Fort Worth communities .
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