Transradial Cardiac Catheterization

Sharp offers transradial cardiac catheterization as an alternative to the traditional procedure — in which doctors insert a catheter through the femoral or brachial artery located in the groin — for a variety of diagnoses and treatments. With transradial catheterization, a small artery in the wrist (the radial artery) is accessed and the catheter is inserted at that point, then threaded to the heart and its chambers.

The transradial catheterization procedure offers the same tests as other catheterization techniques, such as coronary angiography, as well as some of the same treatment procedures including coronary angioplasty. However, it may be preferable for many patients — especially those with lower back pain, arthritis, obesity, peripheral vascular disease or individuals with a higher risk of bleeding.

Benefits of Transradial Cardiac Catheterization 

  • Easier access to the circulation
  • Less risk of trauma to adjacent nerves and blood vessels — resulting in less pain
  • Lower risk of complications
  • Shorter recovery and evaluation

Locations
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
5555 Grossmont Center Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
Get directions

Sharp Memorial Hospital
7901 Frost St.
San Diego, CA 92123
Get directions

For More Information
To learn more about transradial cardiac catheterization at Sharp Memorial Hospital, call 858-939-4680, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, to speak with a cardiovascular nurse.

For more information about heart and vascular care at Sharp or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego cardiologist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about heart and vascular care, visit Cardiovascular Diseases in Adult Health or read the Heart and Cardiovascular News archive.