Characterization of the Radial Artery for the Purposes of Catheterization

Abstract

Transradial coronary artery intervention is a safe alternative to traditional catheterization techniques that utilize the femoral or brachial arteries. There is no consensus in the literature as to which point of the radial artery (RA) is the safest to introduce a catheter. The purpose of this study was to measure the diameter, tortuosity and branching patterns of the distal RA with respect to the radial styloid process (SP). 93 cadaveric RAs (46 male, 47 female) were dissected and measured. The diameter of the RA was measured at 2 cm increments starting at the SP and moving proximally along lateral edge of the radius. The location and degree of tortuosity of the artery were recorded if >35□. Lastly, branches of the RA were recorded with respect to their distance from the SP. In males, we found the average diameter of the RA at the SP was significantly larger than the diameter at 6 cm and 10 cm. In males, we observed typical RA branches at an average of 1.72 cm from the SP and tortuosity of the RA >35□ at 1.65 cm from the SP. In females, there were no significant changes in the diameter of the RA along its course. In females, branches and tortuosity >35□ occurred on average at 1.98 cm and 2.93 cm from the SP respectively. Our data suggests that catheters could be safely inserted at distances greater than 3 cm from the SP to avoid excessive tortuosity or branches, and greater accessibility may be found 6 cm proximal from the SP in males.