Abstract Background Mechanical compression is a standard method of postprocedural radial artery hemostasis. We investigated the use of this method and its combination with kaolin impragnated gauze patch as a new method of hemostasis. Methods We randomized 712 consecutive patients (pts) from our same day discharge program (age 66±8 years, 76% males) after coronary angiography (69%) and intervention (31%) from the proximal (PRA) and distal radial (DRA) approaches. Compression was performed by mechanical inflatable device with or without kaolin gauze : 241 versus (vs) 241 patients in proximal groups and 115 vs 115 pts in distal groups were compared. Postprocedural proximal radial artery patency was evaluated by reverse Barbeau test with finger oximetry testing. Time to hemostasis and access site complications were analyzed. Results Baseline characteristics were similar in all four groups - proximal with kaolin (PK+) and without kaolin (PK-), distal with kaolin (DK+) and without kaolin (DK-). Mean compression time was 57±20 min in PK+ vs 83±19 min in PK- groups (p<0.001) and 48±12 min in DK+ vs 63±12 min in DK- groups (p<0.001). In parallel, compression times were shorter in the distal groups compared to the corresponding proximal groups: (DK+ vs PK+; DK- vs PK-; both p<0.001). Postprocedural EASY grade II (<10cm) and III (> 10cm) hematomas occured more often in PRA (4,7% and 0,8%) in comparison with DRA (1,7% and 0%; p=0,03). There were no other local complications including the absence of proximal radial artery occlusion. Conclusions The use of kaolin in combination with mechanical radial artery compression was associated with shorter compression time in both PRA and DRA compared to mechanical compression alone. DRA was associated with an overall lower incidence of hematomas and also shorter compression time compared to the same PRA groups. No proximal radial artery occlusion was detected in our analysis.