Angiogram specifically through the wrist

[Twinniemummy2018]

Hi all

I had a call from the hospital yesterday booking me in for my angiogram early Jan.

They mentioned the consultant had asked that it be done through my wrist. I just wondered if this had happened to anyone else and if anyone knows why this would be specified rather than the groin?

From what I’ve heard it’s probably better recovery wise to have it through the wrist but just curious as to why it’s been specifically requested?

Many thanks

[Abergele]

I have had twice thru wrist and once thru groin.

It is easier afterwards as they apply compression to the wrist and makes it quicker to heal over

Now wrist is becoming the norm, just make sure you can remove rings on that hand as fingers could swell

Good luck.

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Abergele]

Thanks for this brilliant tip, I’ll leave the rings at home that day 👌🏻

And thanks for reassurance, much appreciated

[Sususulio]

I think it is increasingly usual practice these days to use the wrist and it is very straightforward, compression afterwards is more easily applied and although under observation you won’t be as immobile as with groin entry. As a prearranged procedure you’ve got lots of time to read up and ask any questions... mine was done as an emergency so the questions came after but the actual procedure was very straightforward and the unit and people v caring.

Hopefully all will be sorted soon x

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Sususulio]

Thanks Susie, appreciate your response and reassurance. Fingers crossed x

[Chappychap]

I had an angiogram through the wrist, I was told it was just down to the preference of the doctor performing the procedure and one method isn't inherently superior to the other.

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks for your response, I’m a curious soul and as this is all new to me your message is very reassuring 👌🏻

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Chappychap]

That’s exactly what I was told - doctor preference. I have had 9, and it’s no problem repeating it in the wrist. I also noticed that the older doctors like to use the groin, perhaps it was the earlier method?

I also drink masses before the procedure. This helps dilute the dye, which can make your back/kidneys v sore. You have to judge it carefully, so you don’t need the loo too soon.

Hope it goes smoothly.

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks Chappychap, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

[Love100cats]

Hi there. Don't worry about wrist or groin. My husband had two teams working simultaneously putting stents in from both. They are still in place years later and certainly saved his life. Look forward to feeling better.

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Love100cats]

Thanks for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

Much appreciated

[Prada47]

HI

I was told by a Radiologist a lot depends on the Cardiologist being Left or Right Handed, in some cases they find it easier to thread the catheter through the Wrist than through the Groin. Like 100Cats posted it is possible to have two teams working at the same time through Wrist/Groin. I was told if they ever try to open my RCA it will be through Wrist/Groin simultaneously so rest assured it's normal practice. Personally after a few of each I have no preference Groin or Wrist

They have to apply pressure by hand for 10 minutes for a Groin entry and the Wrist is through a pressure compression bandage, a Plastic contraption that they can increase or decrease the pressure. It lets you out of the Cath Lab a little quicker and back on the Ward and is maybe a little safer possibly !!!!

Best Regards

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Prada47]

Thanks for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

Much appreciated

[shopman]

Unlike going in through the groin where for recovery you have to lie still for a number of hours, the compression cuff allows you to sit in the chair and go to the loo if needed. I will say however for me you could feel the catheter more going up from the wrist - probably all due to the size of the "pipe".

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to shopman]

Thanks for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

Bet that was a strange sensation. I’m hoping I’ll be brave enough to watch it all happening on the screen x

Much appreciated

[Hidden]

I had angiogram through wrist and I appeared very straightforward. I explained that I was quite nervous but my cardiologist reassured me that after what he called a “quick shot of gin and tonic” I would be fine! This was indeed the case. My fears disappeared immediately and I found the whole procedure fascinating! I felt the catheter passing my elbow but otherwise it was painless. The most uncomfortable part was the pressure band on my wrist for a few hours afterwards. Hope all goes well!

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Maurice for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

Hoping I’ll be brave enough to look at the screen but not entirely sure I will 😄

Much appreciated

[NorthantsSteve]

Good luck with your procedure. I had an emergency angioplasty + stent through my wrist and recovered really quickly. I believe the groin was the original method but as equipment has got smaller the wrist is now preferred as it’s easier to control any bleeding that arises (particularly necessary if you’re already on thinning/anti platelet medication. And it’s easier to get up and about once you’ve had it done. I had a few bruises afterwards and my arm was a little stiff. But nothing serious.

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Thanks NorthantsSteve

Thanks for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

I’ve just been told to start aspirin so quite relieved it’s not through the groin. I’ve got two bubbas that will be waiting at home

And need me so hoping it’s a speedy procedure and I recover quickly like you 💪

Hope you are feeling better now

Much appreciated

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Twinniemummy2018]

I’m great now, thanks. Might be worth seeing if you can get a bit of help when you get home. You won’t be able to lift heavy things for a bit. Hope you and your kids have a great Christmas. I’m sure you’ll recover quickly and feel better than ever.

[DavidKeith52]

I was told there is a lower risk going in through the wrist.

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to DavidKeith52]

Thanks for this, sign of relief here 👌🏻

[Hidden]

I had a mild heart attack late May and had an angiogram for stents which went through my wrist and believe all of them were done that way. In the end, my arteries were so blocked, a few days later I had a triple heart bypass

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

Wow a triple bypass! Hope you are feeling better now and on the road to recovery

Much appreciated

[Benzman]

I have had angiograms and angioplasty via both wrist and groin. The last one was supposed to be through the wrist but for some reason they couldn't get access so switched to the groin.If they should go via the groin you have to lay flat afterwards for 2 hours so make sure you go to the toilet immediately before the procedure. I asked to go when they came to take me to the operating room and they were happy to wait.

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Benzman]

Thanks for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

Ha ha I’ll make sure I visit the ladies just before then 😄

Much appreciated

[Handel]

Hi Twinniemummy. Hubby had his through the wrist. It seemed a much easier procedure than through the groin! A little pressure applied to stop the bleeding and then just bruising and a little pea sized lump (apparently normal) that just disappeared.

The ring thing posted by Abergele is a good idea though. Good luck and don't worry. Have a lovely Christmas xxx

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Handel]

Thanks for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

Much appreciated And wishing you a very happy christmas too x

[Rob6868]

Hello Essex girl😆 How are you and kids? Hope your all OK and ready for the dreaded Christmas rush! Bah humbug😃😃

Your right..I was told it was a better recovery and had mine through the wrist..

But saying that I've been told if I have another that the groin should seriously be considered.

As you know! The angiogram helped my blockage but hasn't solved my chest symptoms x

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Rob6868]

Thanks for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

Much appreciated - ps I’m feeling ready for Xmas and festive, I got my current findings list from tests so far which I don’t understand really but decided that worrying won’t help or be much fun for anyone around me so time to get the Christmas jumper out, overindulge in Xmas movies,

A little cheese and port and enjoy it

Wishing you a very happy Christmas, I do hope you feel better soon x

[Salihyuksel67]

Hi I done mine to wrist but they couldn't do it so they did groine not guarantee in operation room sometimes not possible but good luck anyway

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Salihyuksel67]

I think I’ll get myself prepared that it could be through the groin just incase this happens to me too

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences x

[Qualipop]

It's just what they p refer to do now because recovery is easier. I've had two through the wrist. First one i n right arm after heart attack; massive bruising up to elbow. Second one a pressure test in left arm, not a mark even where the needle went in. Pressure bandage was off in a couple of hours and I was going home by lunch time. No driving for one week.

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Qualipop]

Oh wow is it really a week? 🙈🙈🙈🙈 I’m having it on a Tuesday and have school run cover for the rest of that week but was planning on driving on Saturday to a football tournament for my little boy 🤔

Thanks for your advice I really appreciate it x

[Hidden]

I had an emergency angioplasty post HA, through the wrist. Was told it was the preffered option these days. The only thing is the the compression cuff post op was very itchy, but that may have been the dye. Had one helluva bruise though. Best thing was being able to watch on the large screen, but then I'm curious like that 🙂

Good luck, hope you get the desired result

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Fredbeare, lots of people have mentioned the cuff and the bruising, friend

Said to get stocked up with arnica cream - good to be prepared 👌🏻

[Shootist]

I had it in June this year then went back for three stents through the wrist nothing to it after they put like a watch strap made of plastick they inflate it with a sringe and remove it when it stops bleeding which was with me about 2 hours you feel nothing .

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to Shootist]

Thanks for your response, not worrying at all now after reading everyone’s handy hints and tips and reassurance 👌🏻👌🏻

Much appreciated

[balletfan]

I had no problem with mine - it's easier I would think for the Dr to do, less traumatic for you.

[Twinniemummy2018 in reply to balletfan]

Brilliant and a relief thank you x