cardiac cath, Which groin?

  Hi,
  First I would like to thank you for answering my question back in Nov.98
  I am going in the hospital 12/9 for cardiac cath with possible aortic valve surgery.  My question is since I have grafts to both groins and had cardiac cath last April with throwing clots to right groin.  Which groin should I let them use?  I prefer right groin since already with nerve and muscle damage to foot.  That was second time of throwing clots. Had pulmonary embolism years ago 1971 to left lung,with need for left lower lobectomy after pacer surgery. I know risks are higher,but since right leg already damaged,do not want to risk trouble with other leg. Need surgery to right foot,but heart needs fixing first.  Thank you for taking the time to answer.  You do a great job helping people and lessening our fears.
  Liz.J.

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

Dear Liz,
Firstly, thank you for the feedback, it is great that we can be of assistance.
You may or may not know this, but cardiac caths can be done via the artery in the arm,
has this been considered?  I agree with your reasoning in regards to choosing the right groin,
however, has it been considered that blood thinner of some sort during the cath only might help
prevent the clots you seem to form after a cath.  Some cardiologists will ask the advice of a vascular
surgeon before using the grafts, and believe it or not there are a growing number of cardiologists who
cath both the coronary arteries and the peripheral arteries (kidneys, legs, etc.) Please discuss these
options with your cardiologist and write back with answers to my questions and or new questions.  Good Luck.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, actual diagnosis and
treatment can only be made by your physician(s).