VASCULAR ACCESS SITE COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CORONARY INTERVENTJONAL VERSUS DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

Abstract

Cardiac catheterization as performed today, is a combined hemodynamic and/or angiographic procedure under taken for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purpose. Cardiac catheterization usually is recommended to confirm the presence of a clinically suspected condition, define its anatomic and physiologic severity, and determine the presence or absence of associated conditions The commonest indication of cardiac catheterization today is to evaluate coronary artery disease as well as for coronary interventions. The sophistication of interventional techniques has expanded, larger catheters and sheaths have been required to pass some of these newer interventional procedures. Concurrent administration of adjunctive anticoagulants and thrombolytic therapy further mcrease the hazards attending these interventions (Grossman, 2000 and Topol, 1998).

With the introduction of cardiac catheterization, we began a new era for the detection and treatment of many cardiac disorders. Peripheral complications at the catheter introduction site are among the most common problems seen after cardiac catheterization procedures. Hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, embolism, arteriovenous fistula, occlusion, bleeding, infection and dissection are responsible for considerable morbidity and occasional mortality. In addition many of these complications result in considerable increase in