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Southern Maryland Heart and Vascular Center Performs Local Area’s First Radial Artery Catheterization
CLINTON, MD – On December 1, 2009, Southern Maryland Hospital Center (SMHC) Cardiac Surgeon Roy Leiboff, MD performed radial artery cardiac catheterization at Southern Maryland Heart and Vascular Center, a cornerstone SMHC program. The successful procedure began at 8:45am and concluded at approximately 9:30am. The patient was up and walking less than three hours after the procedure. The Southern Maryland Heart and Vascular Center is among the first in the southern Maryland region to offer cardiac catheterization using this access method.
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which a physician threads a thin plastic tube, or catheter, through an artery or vein into the heart in order to examine how well blood is flowing into the heart and measure how efficiently the heart is pumping. Cardiac catheterization is also used to collect blood from inside the heart as well as heart muscle samples for biopsy. Typically, physicians conduct cardiac catheterization through the femoral artery, threading the catheter through the patient’s groin. In radial artery catheterization, however, the access site is in the wrist.
Although more technically difficult from the physician’s perspective, radial artery catheterization has significant benefits for the patient. The risk of bleeding complications is significantly lower because the smaller radial artery is easier to control. Unlike femoral artery catheterization, which requires the patient to lie in bed for three to four hours afterwards, patients can sit up immediately after radial artery catheterization and can move around much more quickly. Patients, who are generally required to fast for six to eight hours before the procedure, are also able to eat immediately after. “It’s both safer and more comfortable for the patient,” Dr. Leiboff said.
Radial artery catheterization is suitable for both men and women and can be used for coronary angioplasty procedures as well as cardiac catheterization.
Hundreds of cardiac catheterization procedures have been performed at the Southern Maryland Heart and Vascular Center this year. The Southern Maryland Heart and Vascular Center encompasses a full range of services dedicated to supporting SMHC community members’ cardiovascular health, from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and continuing support.
Founded in 1977, Southern Maryland Hospital Center is a 358-bed full service hospital serving the Washington, D.C., metro and Southern Maryland areas. Additionally, SMHC operates a state-of-the-art twenty-four bed subacute unit. Throughout SMHC’s history, it has remained a community leader, a strong supporter of health care education, and a dedicated advocate for quality health care services.
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