Some physicians employ transradial access catheterization because they feel it makes cardiac procedures safer by going through a blood vessel in the wrist rather than the leg to reach the heart.
During cardiac catheterization, for example, doctors thread a thin tube through an artery to locate and open dangerous blockages. Traditional approaches go through the femoral artery deep in the leg. Following surgery, however, patients have to lie completely still to prevent the risk of excessive bleeding from the incision in the groin area. The radial artery is smaller and much less likely to bleed, and patients don’t have to lie still post-operation.
Palm Harbor, Fla.-based Oscor is a privately held cardiac medical device development company. The firm's four major focus areas are cardiac rhythm management, atrial fibrillation, cardiology and radiology.