Comment on 'Comparison of operator radiation exposure with optimized radiation protection devices during coronary angiograms and ad hoc percutaneous coronary interventions by radial and femoral routes'

Abstract

We read with extreme interest the paper by Brasselet et al. 1 showing an increased radiation exposure for operators performing percutaneous coronary angiographies and interventions through the radial approach in comparison to the femoral access. We believe the prospective, operator-blinded design and the careful acquisition of the radiation exposure data are major strengths of this study. However, there are limitations that in our opinion seriously undermine the conclusions of the manuscript, where the authors suggest reconsidering promptly the radial approach in light of their findings. First, the non-randomized nature of this study is …