Position

left vs right

by Tracey_E - 2019-02-23 18:01:29

Some people get them on the right for various reasons but they always prefer the left because the veins on the left provide the shortest, easiest access to the heart. 

left vs right

by AgentX86 - 2019-02-23 22:44:20

"the veins on the left provide the shortest, easiest access to the heart"

Interesting.  When they do a heart cath through the wrist, they use the right arm because it has the shortest, straightest shot to the heart. 

My EP asked whether I was a righty or lefty.  He said that some lefties wanted it on the right so it didn't get in the way of shotguns (ouch!).

caths

by Tracey_E - 2019-02-23 23:37:52

Aren't caths generally done in an artery where leads are placed in a vein?

edited to add this is a good diagram of the main veins and arteries and where pacers are traditionally placed

https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/care-centers/cardiothoracic/procedures/pacemaker

caths

by AgentX86 - 2019-02-24 00:50:05

Tracey,

Of course, you're right.  I wasn't thinking.  It makes a big difference. 

It still seems odd, on both counts, since the veins enter the RA, not the LA.  Arteries are the opposite, of course (exit the LV).

twists and turns

by Tracey_E - 2019-02-24 10:09:09

If you look at the diagrams, there are more bends in the road coming in from the right. I don't think it's a huge difference because people end up with them on the right for a variety of reasons all the time- left handed shooters, veins don't work on the left. move to the right when they run out of room in the veins on the left or replacement after an infection in the first pocket.