Angiography from the wrist (radial angiography) allows for same-day discharge

Angiography, which plays a crucial role in diagnosing heart and vascular diseases, offers great convenience to patients when performed from the wrist. With this method, the angiography procedure is becoming increasingly easier, and patients no longer need to be hospitalized. Dr. Ertan Ökmen, a Cardiologist at Anadolu Health Center, shares important information about what people often wonder regarding this procedure.

What is wrist (radial) angiography?

The use of the wrist artery in the treatment of heart-related problems is a method that reduces unwanted complications after the procedure. Unlike the groin artery, the wrist artery is very close to the skin surface and can be easily accessed even in obese patients. The proximity to the skin and the underlying bone tissue also makes it easier to apply compression to close the entry point after the procedure. Bleeding can be easily controlled.

How is wrist angiography performed?

In wrist angiography, the skin under the wrist is anesthetized, and the procedure is carried out under local anesthesia. Because the incision is very small, the patient does not feel pain. The procedure is performed through a tiny 3mm incision, leaving a mark about the size of a pinhead. The risk of complications related to the entry point in wrist angiography is below 1%. After angiography, it is important to compress the entry point. The main procedure involves closing the 3mm hole made to insert the catheter into the vein. Problems arising from the entry point are usually due to poor closure of this hole.

Can a stent be immediately placed if a blockage is detected during wrist angiography?

If there is a critical narrowing that cannot be left untreated and it is suitable for ballooning and stenting, the blockage can be opened and treated with a stent. For example, stents can be placed simultaneously in patients who have had a heart attack or in those cases where critical blockages are detected during angiography, even if no symptoms are present. It can be done using the same method, through the same route, on the same day, and in the same session as the angiography. If the critical narrowing cannot be easily opened, preparation can be made beforehand, and placing a stent may be preferred.

How long does it take to recover after wrist angiography?

Patients who undergo wrist angiography can walk home immediately after the procedure. They can do everything in their daily life that does not strain their arm. It is not recommended to take a shower without removing the bandage unless necessary. There is no special diet required after angiography, but there are recommendations related to the results of the procedure. If there is vascular blockage, a heart-protective diet, low in cholesterol, low in salt, free of solid fats, and rich in vegetables and fruits, should be followed. However, if the results are normal and cholesterol is not high, no special diet is needed. For all angiographies, it is important for patients to drink plenty of water after the procedure to help eliminate the contrast dye injected during the procedure. Therefore, patients are encouraged to drink about two liters of water before leaving the hospital and to continue doing so once at home.

What precautions should be taken after wrist angiography?

Patients should not exert themselves too much. They can use their arm, eat, or drink coffee and tea, but they should avoid lifting heavy objects. Although the incision is very small, the goal is for it to close quickly. No patients have come in due to bleeding, but sometimes when the bandages are too tight and the patient unknowingly lays on their arm, bruising may occur. However, the bruise will disappear once the position is corrected.

Can patients resume sexual activity immediately after wrist angiography?

Continuing sexual activity in a normal course is difficult after groin angiography. However, when performed from the wrist, patients can move much more freely. Although it is generally not recommended for patients to return to normal sexual activity the next day, there is no issue with engaging in sex.

How should people be advised regarding their sexual life if a blockage is detected in angiography?

If a narrowing is detected, it needs to be treated before the patient resumes sexual activity. The timing, duration, and frequency of sexual activity should be considered due to the existing vascular condition. If a critical narrowing is detected, it is not recommended to engage in sexual activity before it is treated. If no critical narrowing is found and the angiography results are normal, there are no restrictions on sexual life.

Who should not undergo wrist angiography?

Wrist angiography cannot be performed on patients undergoing dialysis or those who have suffered trauma to their arm due to an accident or injury.

Can wrist angiography be performed multiple times?

Yes, it can. In such cases, the procedure can be performed by entering half a centimeter above the previous incision site. Another method is to perform the procedure on the opposite wrist.

OUR ANGIOGRAPHY PATIENTS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES

Wrist angiography provided great comfort

Ahmet Yiğit, who works as an automation manager at a private company, discovered his cardiovascular issues by chance. After an examination during a hernia surgery, his doctor suggested he should undergo angiography due to certain findings in the results. Ahmet Bey shares his experience:

“Since my mother and sister had angiographies before, I was aware of the importance of the situation. Therefore, I wanted to have the procedure done at a place where I felt safe. After the examinations at Anadolu Health Center, it was determined that angiography was necessary. Honestly, based on our previous experiences, we didn't expect it to be this easy. We thought we would be lying down for hours with pressure bags. But none of that happened. We arrived in the morning, and after the examination, I was taken for surgery. The procedure was completed in a very short time. It felt like I hadn't had angiography at all.”

The Difference Between Groin Angiography and Wrist Angiography

64-year-old Ömer Esir also preferred to have his angiography done through the wrist. Three years ago, after experiencing shortness of breath, Ömer Esir was told he needed immediate angiography. He had angiography done through his groin, and it was found that three of his arteries were blocked.

Three years later, when he experienced discomfort again and visited Anadolu Health Center, it was recommended that he undergo wrist angiography, as it was much more comfortable and practical. After having both angiography procedures, Ömer Esir was asked to compare the methods and shared the following:

“After the angiography, it was found that two of my arteries were blocked, and one was problematic, which meant I needed to undergo bypass surgery. This was upsetting, but thanks to the wrist angiography, I went through the process very comfortably. I had no pain. Three years ago, when I had the angiography through my groin, I had more pain. It was also more difficult to stop the bleeding. There was bruising and swelling in my groin, and I had tremors in that area as well. I had to lie down for 4-5 hours. However, thanks to wrist angiography, I felt much more comfortable. I had no bruising or bleeding. I was able to get up immediately and go home.”