Radiation Dose in Coronary Angiogram: A Comparison of Radial and Femoral Approach

Abstract

Background: Many clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of trans-radial access (TRA) over trans-femoral access (TFA) in reducing mortality and bleeding events, but there is some concern about radiation exposure with radial access. Objective: To assess the difference in radiation exposure between radial and femoral approach as measured by dose-area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in patients aged 15 years and above who underwent invasive percutaneous coronary angiography at Ramathibodi Hospital between December 2019 and December 2020. Exclusion criteria included previous coronary artery bypass graft, unstable hemodynamic status during procedure, and changing the access site or using access sites other than femoral or radial arteries. Demographic data of patients was collected through medical records. DAP and fluoroscopy time of patients with radial and femoral approach were evaluated. Results: Of 427 patients (49.4% male wtih mean age of 65.7 years), 245 (57.4%) patients underwent TFA. There was no significant difference in the median DAP between the radial and femoral approach (radial 1838 mGy.cm2 vs femoral 1690.7 mGy.cm2, P = .31). However, the fluoroscopy time was significantly higher in radial approach group (radial 4.6 min vs femoral 3.3 min, P < .001). Conclusions: The radiation exposure was not significantly different between trans-radial and trans-femoral coronary angiography.