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Interventional cardiologists who are interested in learning how to use the wrist access should definitely attend a course, as a first step. And they can find an appropriate course on Angioplasty.Org's page devoted to TransRadial Training Courses. So quickly -- why use the wrist approach when the femoral (groin) approach has been the standard access for almost half a century? The answer is: (1) because the wrist approach has less bleeding complications, especially important when powerful anticoagulants are being used to prevent thrombosis, heart attacks, etc.; (2) the equipment needed to perform simple diagnostic angiograms, as well as more complex interventions, has gotten smaller and smaller, to the point where it is safe and effective to go through the wrist; (3) the impact on patients is significant -- when the wrist approach is used, patients can stand up and walk immediately, they do not need to lie still for hours, the risk of hematomas or the very serious complication of retroperitoneal bleeds is virtually eliminated. So during this month of May, Angioplasty.Org urges interventional cardiologists to attend one of the following courses:
Spring training. It's not just for baseball anymore....!
Reported by Burt Cohen, May 2, 2012 |
