Date: 5/5/2010
There is increasing interest in using the radial artery in the wrist, rather than the femoral artery in the groin, for passing slender catheters into the heart during angioplasty and stenting, largely because it is safer and more comfortable for patients. But when launching a program to train cardiologists in the radial technique, cardiac catheterization laboratories should be prepared to face logistical challenges for a substantial period of time, according to a study presented today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 33rd Annual Scientific Sessions.