Definition: The same procedure as femoral angiography, but access is gained through the radial artery in the wrist.
Procedure Steps:
• The steps are identical to femoral angiography, except the access point is the wrist. A special brace may be used to keep the wrist still.
Purpose / Benefits:
• Purpose: Same as femoral angiography—to diagnose CAD.
• Benefits (over femoral access):
o Lower risk of bleeding complications.
o Faster recovery; patients can often sit up and walk immediately after.
o Greater patient comfort.
o Now the preferred approach for many patients.
Pre-procedure Tests (Creat, HBV/HCV): Same as above.