Modified Radial Technique

Abstract

In 1948, Radner described the first radial approach for the cardiovascular study. Subsequently, in 1989, L. Campeau described the radial technique to perform a coronary angiography, and in 1993 F. Kiemeneij used it for a percutaneous coronary angioplasty procedure, emerging the trans radial access as an attractive alternative to the femoral access. New advances in interventionism have made the radial approach an easily accessible technique, without major complications and with greater comfort for the patient. It certainly requires a greater learning curve than the femoral one; however, its advantages over femoral access have been demonstrated. Of the complications the most frequent is the spasm that leads to failure in 38% of the procedures and produces dissections, ruptures, avulsion, etc; despite the use of spasmolytic agents or prior anatomic evaluation. Therefore, we have shown that the technique can be modified simply with the placement of a 25cm hydrophilic introducer that avoids crossing through the forearm segment. With which all kinds of complications are avoided, generating greater comfort in the patient and technically favoring the procedures.