Had A Arm Radial Approach Heart Catheterization. Got Bruises. Something Alarming?

Posted on Fri, 11 Oct 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 Answered on

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a rt arm radial approach heart catheterization 10-7-13. My rt arm from just above the insertion site to elbow is very sore and getting worse. There is a little bruising just 1 1/2 inch from the insertion point and about 2 inches slight redness above that. I contacted my cardiologist today and was recommended alternating warm/cold packs. The pain is not better.

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try symptomatic measure / see your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

It is probably from tissue injury / thrombophlebitis – from the procedure.
Over The Counter (OTC) Non-Steroidal NSAID) / hot packs / external application like thrombophob Gel (Heparin Sodium IP) / anxiolytics can be useful...
If there is no improvement, see your doctor / get yourself examined

Take care
Wishing all well
God bless
Good luck

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar