The hospital performs a unique operation of snuffbox

Sharjah: Zulekha Hospital recently performed a coronary intervention using access to the radial artery through the snuff box on the back of the hand. This unique cardiac catheterization procedure is used to diagnose and treat heart conditions without an invasive procedure. This is one of the first times that the procedure is practiced in the United Arab Emirates. This is in line with the health group's commitment to support the United Arab Emirates Vision 2021 to build a world-clbad health care system.

The patient was admitted to Zulekha hospital with chest pain and showed all the risk factors for coronary heart disease. Resistance tests were performed and the results showed a positive result with regard to the lack of oxygen supply to the heart. The patient was admitted for elective coronary angiography (special test showing clogged arteries) and the results showed narrowing of two blood vessels. Intervention was necessary and it was completed using distal radial access through the snuffbox where two stents were implanted in the heart.

The Tabatière is an area located on the hand, between the tendon of two muscles, which controls the movement of the thumb. This area is unique because it has a dip and is located at the location of a radial artery. Through this artery, doctors can perform cardiac catheterization.

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease by inserting a long, thin tube called a catheter into the artery through the arm or hand. Here, doctors can then perform diagnostic and therapeutic tests for the management of heart disease, such as coronary angioplasty. Usually, patients are woken up during cardiac catheterization but receive medication to help them relax.

The recovery time of a cardiac catheterization is fast and the risk of complications low.

By operating through the patient's snuff box and puncturing the radial artery, blood flow to the hand is guaranteed during the procedure. There is also a very low risk of hand damage because the distal radial technique is unique because the bleeding is much easier to control after the procedure.

"The time required for the procedure varies from one patient to another, but also depends on the severity of the disease. We are one of the first hospitals in the United Arab Emirates to use this method. It is an important step in the field of research. We are constantly innovating to ensure that patients have the best procedures, in line with the country's vision, to develop a world clbad. health system by 2021, "said Dr. Waleed Kadro, Interventional Cardiology Consultant.

This is a very safe procedure and there is no danger in piercing another artery. The procedure is more comfortable because the patient can release his hand to the side without full extension of the arm, contrary to the conventional radial artery approach in which the patient has to fully extend the arm, which can cause discomfort.

The patient now feels much better and no longer has heart or hand problems. The patient stated, "The procedure took only twelve minutes and did not cause any discomfort or change in my lifestyle. My hand feels normal and my chest no longer causes pain, thanks to the skilful doctors of the Zulekha hospital who use modern procedures ".