The Advantages of Universal Guiding Catheter for the Trans radial Approach       

25 February 21

The Advantages of Universal Guiding Catheters for the Transradial Approach

The use of a Universal guiding catheter for transradial approach is becoming more common.  This kind of catheter has curves that specialize for particular uses.  A guiding catheter has the right kind of circular approach that helps in identifying the tortuosity points.  Moreover, it increases leverage for the points that come in contact with the vessels of the arm and the aorta.

Definition of a universal guiding catheter

Being a universal guiding catheter shows that it is compatible with various vessels in a single time use. On the other hand, a femoral catheter can work only once.  The number of times a femoral catheter works is not more than one thus its usage is limited for a specified or dedicated parts of the system.

With a Universal guiding catheter, it is advantageous for the whole system because it can target multiple vessels at the same time which is more efficient during the process. Another highlighted feature of a guiding catheter is that it reduces the number of passes made throughout the arm in the process.  This majorly decreases the occurrence of irritation and triggering of a radial spasm.

Working of a universal guiding catheter

When using a universal guiding catheter most of the operators might assume that it is a unique circular approach. There are some dedicated catheters that can perform a transradial approach just by using a femoral catheter. But when talking virtually, there are very less catheters that can fulfill the purpose of a transferadial approach.

Before the invention of universal guiding catheters, operators used the femoral catheter to approach multiple vessels at the same time. This required a very keen sense and a unique set of skills in performing coronary angiography but nowadays with this amazing discovery of guiding catheters that can be reach multiple vessels, operator can access multiple vessels at the same time. Moreover, even a little bit of practice in this technique can help achieve the motive.  With the availability of dedicated catheters, life has become much easier in performing complex operations of the heart.

The reason many operators have switched from a single catheter to a guiding Universal catheter is not just because of its use.  The major reason remains that by using it the operator does not need to make an unnecessary number of passes through the arm.  Moreover, it decreases the number of passes through the arm as well as the time in doing the operation.

Failure and Differences

The only failure related to a radical approach includes the following. Firstly, it might fail due to the presence of recurring vessels, unintentionally finding a branch, irregularity in vessels, and correlated contraction which may cause discomforting sensations in the patient.  Secondly, the failure may occur due to the operator’s inability to cannulate properly with the right radial approach using a catheter.

There is a lot of difference between the femoral approach and the right radial approach. They differentiate on the basis of operation, position, and their arrangement. Whether you are using the left or the right radial approach it is very difficult to come up with the backup. In the majority of the cases, the right radial approach is much more preferred over the left radial approach because of its accessibility.

But surprisingly, the distal radial approach has gained much popularity over sometime. In this kind of approach, the default approach is the left one.  If the operation is quite complicated the radial approach helps on this occasion. It is basically a choice of convenience to opt for the right or the left side. Both can give the same results but the performing time and complexity can vary.

Using a universal guide catheter when going from a right radial approach

In order to understand the use of a Universal guiding catheter when going from the right radial approach you need to take a few guidelines. If there is a need for interfering physiological evaluation or intravascular imaging then it is logical to opt for a Universal guide catheter. Using the guiding catheter, it removes the need for exchanging the catheters between the Diagnostic ones.

The universal catheter has the ability to make important changes along the way and the only difference we may notice is in the price. Although the Diagnostic catheters and the universal guide catheters both are expensive, a universal guide catheter can get a bit pricier than the diagnostic ones.  Prices can vary from the type of catheter and the lab you are in contact with.

In the end, using a universal catheter might be profitable. Due to the usage of initial use of a guiding catheter assures less usage of diagnostic catheters. This saves time and the stress you go through throughout the procedure.

Importance of Universal Catheter

Time is money when using a Universal catheter. Even a single second of carelessness can waste a lot of monetary value.  Starting off with a Universal catheter always goes in the favor of the procedure. This is because you don’t have to switch from a diagnostic catheter later on.

All this process takes a lot of time and skill.  Constantly using the same vessels for patients who need regular check-up can damage the vessel and the muscle. In initial checkups, you can use Universal guiding catheter by exhausting the right radial approach. But if the patient needs regular, yearly or quarterly checkups, this becomes painful. This is because the patient may feel discomfort. It is not advisable to use the same right side vessels again and again for inserting the catheter. You can alternate the vessels subject to judging the condition of the patient.

Learning curve for universal guiding catheter

There is definitely a learning curve that comes with using a Universal guiding catheter. You never know which angle you may face because it incorporates multiple different angles at one point of time. It does not find the vessel by itself so the operator needs to pay keen attention.

Most probably, the catheter reaches the surrounding area of the artery and with the help of rotation, the catheter can ease in. There are some times where you will need to go down the tip to reach the main point. It is common in operators who start their career by using Universal guiding catheter to become frustrated.

This procedure follows the natural curvature of the arm. This is why the operators need to pay a little bit more attention to the details. They need to adjust the catheter with sensible handling such that it engages with the right artery. Since it can get unfamiliar at times, there is always a learning curve when dealing with different patients. It inadvertently increases the chance to learn something new every time you use a guiding catheter.

 

Conclusion

The increased use of Universal guiding catheter shows that they are the new face off of performing angioplasty.  They are much better than the traditional approach of using scheme oral and diagnostic catheters.  Moreover, they have certainly decreased the diagnostic time when compared with earlier procedures.

In case of using a right or a left technique, totally depends on the operator.  The ease in using the catheter is what matters the most.  Another reason for its popularity is because using a Universal catheter has substantially decreased the number of catheters used earlier. Universal catheter can reduce the average catheter use by half. Thus, using a universal catheter is profitable.

For More Information, Contact Us Today!