Launching a successful transradial program.
There is an increasing interest in performing transradial (TR) procedures in the United States, but with so few experienced operators, developing a TR program often means figuring out a lot on one's own. Certain necessary fundamentals - including a good reason for doing procedures transradially, getting adequate training, gaining the support of cath lab staff, using the right equipment, and having patience and perseverance through learning and change - improve the chances of success. In discussing each of these fundamentals, this article reviews the advantages of a radial approach compared with a femoral approach; describes ways to acquire TR training; stresses the importance of involving nurses, technicians, administrators, and colleagues in the process; encourages the use of designated radial equipment for enhancing success; and demonstrates the learning curve by describing a single operator experience during the first year of launching a TR program.
Tremmel
Jennifer A
JA
Interventional Cardiology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305-5218, USA. jtremmel@cvmed.stanford.edu
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D016730:Program Development; D017534:Radial Artery; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration