Radial catheterization procedure
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Choosing the Left or Right Side for the Radial Approach
If the internal mammary artery must be canulated, then the left radial artery should be used.
Initial Insertion of the Catheters
To reduce spasm, 500 micrograms of diltiazem can be administered via the sidearm prior to insertion of the right and left sided catheters.
Catheter selection
Many operators choose to start with the right coronary artery as the right sided catheter may allow for directing the wire as you make your way up around the arch. Once the wire is around the arch, it should remain there for exchanges. A JL 3.5 catheter may be used to engage the left coronary artery when catheterization is performed from the right arm.
Below is a video demonstrating radial artery approach in cardiac catheterization followed by application of TR band
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