Diagnostic angiography performed by nurses

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a nurse performing d iagnostic angiography. After a theoretical and practical training course on the techniques of arterial catheterization, the nurse performed diagnostic angiography under supervision on 68 patients. Patients with impalpable fem oral pulses or scarred groins as well as obese patients were excluded. Succ essful arterial catheterization was achieved in 58 (85%) patients. Complica tions were limited to a severe haematoma requiring surgery in one patient a nd seven minor self-limiting haematomas. On this evidence, it is feasible a nd safe for appropriately trained nurses to perform angiography in radiolog y departments that have limited radiology staffing levels and no non-invasi ve alternations to catheter-based angiography.