Superficial temporal artery access for coronary angiography

    Authors

    Keywords

    superficial temporal artery, coronary angiography, nursing care

    DOI

    https://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2025.35

    Full Text

    Coronary angiography is an invasive diagnostic used to visualize the coronary arteries. The first selective coronary angiography was accidentally performed by Dr. Mason Sones Jr. on October 30, 1958 at the Cleveland Clinic. In the following years, coronary angiography became an important diagnostic method in clinical practice and the basis of contemporary invasive and interventional cardiology. Nowadays, the most common vascular approach for performing coronary angiography is through the radial or femoral artery. In patients with severe peripheral arterial disease, e.g. occlusion of the subclavian, femoral, or radial arteries, the usual vascular access for coronary angiography cannot be used. Uncommon and very rarely used alternative approach (only a few cases in the world) is through the superficial temporal artery. This is a relatively small artery and is a branch of the external carotid artery. (1, 2) The procedure begins with puncturing the superficial temporal artery and placing an introducer. Then the catheter passes through the internal carotid artery, brachiocephalic artery, aorta to the coronary artery. Such an approach requires knowledge, skill and expertise. Nursing procedures for temporal coronary angiography include a number of activities: preoperative preparation, preparation of the patient, materials and equipment, assisting during the procedure, monitoring of vital signs, and postoperative care. Nursing procedures and care require extensive knowledge and skills, especially for new and rarely performed procedures and therapy. Coronary angiography using the superficial temporal artery access is a very rare and specific technique that requires expertise, and is used when conventional approaches are not possible. Nursing procedures are crucial for the successful outcome of the procedure and patient safety. Nursing procedures and care can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve patient recovery. Technical knowledge, practical skills, and emotional intelligence are essential for providing high-quality nursing care.

    Literature

    1. Pinar YA, Govsa F. Anatomy of the superficial temporal artery and its branches: its importance for surgery. Surg Radiol Anat. 2006 June;28(3):248–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-006-0094-z
    2. Csavajda Á, Bertrand OF, Merkely B, Ruzsa Z. Superficial temporal artery access for percutaneous coronary artery stenting during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep. 2020 December 27;5(2):ytaa520. https://doi.org/10.1093/ehjcr/ytaa520
    Cardiologia Croatica
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    Superficial temporal artery access for coronary angiography

    Extended Abstract
    Issue1-2
    Published
    Pages35
    PDF via DOIhttps://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2025.35
    superficial temporal artery
    coronary angiography
    nursing care

    Authors

    Tomislav Biloglav*ORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
    Vesna PuklinORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
    Hrvoje LukićORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
    Ivana BarunORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
    Marina MatkovićORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

    *Correspondence email: tom.bil808@gmail.com

    Full Text

    Coronary angiography is an invasive diagnostic used to visualize the coronary arteries. The first selective coronary angiography was accidentally performed by Dr. Mason Sones Jr. on October 30, 1958 at the Cleveland Clinic. In the following years, coronary angiography became an important diagnostic method in clinical practice and the basis of contemporary invasive and interventional cardiology. Nowadays, the most common vascular approach for performing coronary angiography is through the radial or femoral artery. In patients with severe peripheral arterial disease, e.g. occlusion of the subclavian, femoral, or radial arteries, the usual vascular access for coronary angiography cannot be used. Uncommon and very rarely used alternative approach (only a few cases in the world) is through the superficial temporal artery. This is a relatively small artery and is a branch of the external carotid artery. (1, 2) The procedure begins with puncturing the superficial temporal artery and placing an introducer. Then the catheter passes through the internal carotid artery, brachiocephalic artery, aorta to the coronary artery. Such an approach requires knowledge, skill and expertise. Nursing procedures for temporal coronary angiography include a number of activities: preoperative preparation, preparation of the patient, materials and equipment, assisting during the procedure, monitoring of vital signs, and postoperative care. Nursing procedures and care require extensive knowledge and skills, especially for new and rarely performed procedures and therapy. Coronary angiography using the superficial temporal artery access is a very rare and specific technique that requires expertise, and is used when conventional approaches are not possible. Nursing procedures are crucial for the successful outcome of the procedure and patient safety. Nursing procedures and care can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve patient recovery. Technical knowledge, practical skills, and emotional intelligence are essential for providing high-quality nursing care.

    Literature

    1. 1.
      Pinar YA, Govsa F. Anatomy of the superficial temporal artery and its branches: its importance for surgery. Surg Radiol Anat. 2006 June;28(3):248–53.DOI
    2. 2.
      Csavajda Á, Bertrand OF, Merkely B, Ruzsa Z. Superficial temporal artery access for percutaneous coronary artery stenting during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep. 2020 December 27;5(2):ytaa520.DOI