This randomized controlled experimental study aimed to examine the effect of cold application after transradial coronary angiography on pain, bruising (ecchymosis), and comfort levels in patients.
The study was conducted in the coronary intensive care unit of a university hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye, between July 2023 and July 2024. A total of 104 adult patients who underwent transradial coronary angiography were randomly assigned to intervention (cold application) and control groups using a computer-based randomization method.
In the intervention group, cold packs were applied to the wrist starting immediately after admission to the coronary intensive care unit. Cold application was performed for 15 minutes every hour until the TR band was removed and then every 2 hours for 15 minutes afterward. The control group received routine care without cold application.
Pain levels were assessed hourly using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Bruising was monitored by measuring hematoma size, and patient comfort was evaluated at two time points: at admission and when the TR band was removed, using the Early Postoperative Comfort Scale. The primary outcomes were pain, ecchymosis, and comfort levels. The secondary outcome was the duration of TR band placement.
The study aimed to determine whether cold application helps reduce pain and bruising and improves comfort after transradial coronary angiography.