Ocala Health System Interventional Cardiologist Using Innovative Technique for Cardiac Catheterization

Ocala, FL (March 15, 2010) - In a cardiac catheterization procedure, specially trained Cardiologists thread a thin catheter to the coronary arteries in the heart and, using X-ray images, they examine the health of the heart and the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the heart muscle. With the procedure the Cardiologist is able to identify blockages in the coronary arteries that may lead to a heart attack if left untreated. Once identified, blockages in the coronary arteries may be treated with balloon angioplasty and stents to open blockages and restore normal blood flow to the heart.

Traditionally, the cardiac catheterization procedure is performed through the femoral artery in the groin. Recently however, the use of the radial artery in the wrist is gaining attention as a safe alternative to using the femoral artery. This procedure is called transradial angiography. Dr. Premranjan Singh, an Interventional Cardiologist, recently joined the team of Cardiologists who work in the cardiovascular labs at Ocala Health System. Dr Singh completed his fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at the Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts where he used the radial artery approach for most of his patients. He plans to continue this approach in his practice here in Ocala.

 “It’s a simple change that has a dramatic impact on the experience and recovery of the patient,” said Dr. Singh. “The radial approach is ideal for older patients, obese patients, and women who are especially at higher risk for bleeding complication. One of the biggest advantages of passing the catheter through the radial artery is the risk of bleeding is almost completely eliminated.

Overall, patients experience higher levels of comfort when radial access is utilized, as they can come back after the procedure sitting up in bed. The transradial procedure has been widely adopted in Europe, where up to 60% of procedures are now done this way. In the US, less than 5% of coronary interventions use the transradial approach.”

What is the advantage of transradial angiography in cardiac catheterization? With traditional cardiac catheterization patients are usually required to rest flat in bed for four or more hours to prevent bleeding from the femoral artery. Using the radial artery on the inside of the wrist, patients typically can sit up very soon after the procedure. Also, this technique significantly reduces the risk of major bleeding – the most common complication – because the radial arteries are smaller and closer to the surface, so bleeding can be more easily prevented.

While the transradial approach will not be suitable for all patients, it can be a safe alternative for patients who have difficulty lying flat for several hours. “We’ve had a great response to this technique,” said Dr. Singh. “It’s a small change that can make a big difference in the patient’s safety, comfort, and recovery.”