Transradial Coronary Catheterization Research Articles

Incidence and Prognostic Factors of Radial Artery Occlusion in Transradial Coronary Catheterization.

Background/Objectives: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common complication of transradial coronary catheterization. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of RAO and identify the risk factors that predispose patients to it. Methods: We conducted an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicenter, open-label study involving 1357 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization via the transradial route for angiography and/or a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential predictors of RAO occurrence. Additionally, a subgroup analysis only for patients undergoing PCIs was performed. Results: The incidence of RAO was 9.5% overall, 10.6% in the angiography-only group and 6.2% in the PCI group. Independent predictors of RAO were as follows: (i) the female gender (aOR = 1.72 (1.05-2.83)), (ii) access site cross-over (aOR = 4.33 (1.02-18.39)), (iii) increased total time of the sheath in the artery (aOR = 1.01 (1.00-1.02)), (iv) radial artery spasms (aOR = 2.47 (1.40-4.36)), (v) the presence of a hematoma (aOR = 2.28 (1.28-4.06)), (vi) post-catheterization dabigatran use (aOR = 5.15 (1.29-20.55)), (vii) manual hemostasis (aOR = 1.94 (1.01-3.72)) and (viii) numbness at radial artery ultrasound (aOR = 8.25 (1.70-40)). Contrariwise, two variables were independently associated with increased odds for radial artery patency (RAP): (i) PCI performance (aOR = 0.19 (0.06-0.63)), and (ii) a higher dosage of intravenous heparin per patient weight (aOR = 0.98 (0.96-0.99)), particularly, a dosage of >50 IU/kg (aOR = 0.56 (0.31-1.00)). In the PCI subgroup, independent predictors of RAO were as follows: (i) radial artery spasms (aOR = 4.48 (1.42-14.16)), (ii) the use of intra-arterial nitroglycerin as a vasodilator (aOR = 7.40 (1.67-32.79)) and (iii) the presence of symptoms at echo (aOR = 3.80 (1.46-9.87)), either pain (aOR = 2.93 (1.05-8.15)) or numbness (aOR = 4.66 (1.17-18.57)). On the other hand, the use of intra-arterial verapamil as a vasodilator (aOR = 0.17 (0.04-0.76)) was independently associated with a greater frequency of RAP. Conclusions: The incidence of RAO in an unselected, all-comers European population after transradial coronary catheterization for angiography and/or PCIs is similar to that reported in the international literature. Several RAO prognostic factors have been confirmed, and new ones are described. The female gender, radial artery trauma and manual hemostasis are the strongest predictors of RAO. Our results could help in the future identification of patients at higher risk of RAO, for whom less invasive diagnostic procedures maybe preferred, if possible.

Efficacy and Safety of Distal Radial Artery Approach for Coronary Angiography: A Retrospective Study

Background: The distal radial artery approach has been employed as a potential alternative technique for coronary angiography. Nevertheless, its clinical implementation is significantly constrained by the narrow diameter of the radial artery. A comprehensive investigation of the efficacy and safety of the distal radial artery approach for coronary angiography is lacking. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the distal radial artery approach for coronary angiography and transradial artery access for interventional diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the effectiveness and safety of the distal radial artery approach for coronary artery angiography will be analyzed, for the wider adoption of this technique in clinical practice. Methods: A total of 68 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) who underwent coronary catheterization via the left distal radial artery approach from December 2020 to December 2022 using the Distal radial artery approach (TRA) comprised the case-control study group. Seventy-three CHD patients who underwent routine left Transradial Artery Access coronary catheterization were selected as the Regular TRA group during the same period. Clinical data including age, body mass index (BMI), gender, CHD risk factors, routine drug treatment, ultrasonic-related indicators and operation-related indicators were collected from electronic medical records and the catheterization database from the two groups of patients. Results: The diameter and Endothelium-dependent vasodilation (noe FMD) of puncture vessels in the Distal TRA group were significantly lower than those in the Regular radial artery approach (TRA) group (p-value < 0.05). After a period of 48 hours following the catheterization, the puncture vessel diameter and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the Distal TRA group were significantly lower compared to those of the Regular TRA group (p-value < 0.05). The effectiveness of transradial artery access was then compared between the two groups. It was determined that the Distal TRA group exhibited significantly higher values in terms of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, puncture time, and heparin usage, in comparison to the Regular TRA group (p-value < 0.05). The occurrence rates of local hematoma, mediastinal hematoma, retroperitoneal hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, vagal reflex, vasospasm, blood transfusion, and other complications among patients in the Distal TRA group were comparable to those in the Regular TRA group (p-value > 0.05). The incidence of puncture and X-ray radiation in the Distal TRA group was found to be marginally higher compared to the Regular TRA group. This study suggests that the safety profile of patients undergoing coronary artery catheterization via the distal radial artery is relatively higher than those undergoing the procedure via the transradial artery, although the difference was not statistically significant (p-value > 0.05). Conclusions: The Distal radial artery approach can be used for conducting comprehensive coronary interventional diagnosis and treatment procedures, offering benefits such as reduced postoperative compression time, better hemostasis through the distal radial artery approach, and enhanced patient comfort. This approach demonstrates favorable efficacy and safety, making it a suitable routine puncture method for clinical treatment.

Short-Term Postoperative Use of Rivaroxaban to Prevent Radial Artery Occlusion After Transradial Coronary Procedure: The RESTORE Randomized Trial.

Adequate procedural anticoagulation is crucial for radial artery occlusion (RAO) prevention in patients undergoing transradial access coronary catheterization, although the effect of postprocedural anticoagulation lack thorough investigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of short-term postoperative anticoagulation with rivaroxaban for 24 hours and 1-month RAO prevention in patients who received transradial coronary procedures. A total of 382 patients were randomized to receive either placebo (control group) or rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily for a period of 7 days (rivaroxaban group) to evaluate the effect of the rivaroxaban in the prevention of 24 hours and 1-month RAO assessed by Doppler ultrasound. There was no significant difference in the incidence of 24-hour RAO (8.9% versus 11.5%; P=0.398) between the rivaroxaban group and control group (odds ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.39-1.46]; P=0.399). In contrast, the 1-month RAO (3.8% versus 11.5%; P=0.011) was significantly reduced in patients who received rivaroxaban as compared with those who did placebo (odds ratio, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.08-0.65]; P=0.006). For patients with 24-hour RAO, the rivaroxaban group was associated with higher recanalization rate of the radial artery (69.2% versus 30.0%; P=0.027) compared with the control group. No significant differences can be observed between the 2 groups for access-site complications or bleeding events. Short-term postoperative anticoagulation with rivaroxaban did not reduce the rate of 24-hour RAO but improved 1-month RAO, because of higher recanalization of the radial artery. However, larger clinical trials are needed to prove our results. URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1900026974.

Low-molecular-weight Heparin in Radial Artery Occlusion Treatment: the LOW-RAO Randomized Study

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the commonest complication of transradial catheterization. There is no evidence-based therapy, in the frame of a randomized control study, for the treatment of RAO. The purpose of the LOW-RAO study is to question the hypothesis if low-molecular-weight heparin is effective in the treatment of RAO after transradial coronary catheterization (both angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention). It is a prospective, openlabel, randomized controlled trial that will randomize 60 patients with RAO, irrespective of symptoms, into two groups, one receiving anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin and the other receiving no treatment. The primary endpoint is improvement in radial artery patency rate at 4weeks after the procedure. Clinical trial registration number: NCT04196309 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Aortic dissection extending from the brachiocephalic artery during transradial coronary catheterization: a case report

BackgroundIatrogenic acute aortic dissection (AD) is an extremely rare but devastating complication during cardiac catheterization. It can be treated conservatively if it develops in a retrograde form or manifests as an intramural hematoma (IMH) with a micro-intimal tear in the absence of instability. However, only a few reports exist on its natural course and long-term outcomes.Case presentationA 78-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with acute chest discomfort. Elective cardiac catheterization was performed via the right radial artery. The patient’s brachiocephalic artery was so tortuous that the hydrophilic soft guidewire had to be exchanged for a stiffer one. However, the stiff wire caused the dissection of a tortuous brachiocephalic artery that extended from the sinuses of Valsalva to the proximal descending aorta. Emergent computed tomography showed crescentic aortic wall thickening without a dissection flap. The patient had cardiac tamponade and a gradually thickening thrombosed false lumen. Although the patient was unstable during the first 2 weeks, she was stabilized during hospital stay with only conservative treatment. Consequently, she has been well for over 5 years.ConclusionsEven though the patient showed ominous findings, a good prognosis was expected because the AD was mainly retrograde. Furthermore, the thrombosed false lumen mimicked an IMH on imaging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an extensive iatrogenic AD originating from the brachiocephalic artery during right transradial catheterization that was treated conservatively despite clinical instability.

A comparative study of Terumo radial Band® and PreludeSYNC hemostasis compression device after transradial coronary catheterization.

Novel hemostasis strategies, including PreludeSYNC DISTAL, Merit Medical Systems, Inc. South Jordan, UT, USA (PSD) radial compression device for distal radial artery (DRA) access, have been described for radial access protocols. This study aimed to compare the safety profile of PSD and Terumo radial (TR) Band®. This prospective interventional study was conducted on patients who underwent coronary interventions via either the DRA or forearm radial artery (FRA). Patients with an arterial diameter of <2 mm, requiring dialysis, with unstable acute coronary syndrome, failed radial cannulation, and sheath insertion were excluded. PSD and TR Band® were used for hemostasis after DRA and FRA access, respectively. The time to hemostasis and complications, including minor/major hematoma, radial artery occlusion (RAO), and neurological symptoms (after 20 days) were recorded. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for age and hemostasis duration. Frequency and percentages were calculated for categorical variables. Independent t-test and Chi-squared test were performed to determine the significance of the differences between the two groups. A p-value of <0.05 was significant. Of 139 participants, TR Band® and PSD were used in 76 and 63 patients, respectively. The mean age of the participants was 58.70±10.00 years, and the majority of the patients were men (67.60%). The hemostasis time of both devices was similar (p>0.490). Compared with PSD, TR Band® had more complications (52.63% vs. 23.81%; p=0.020), particularly RAO [odds ratio (OR), 3.17; p=0.018] and neurological problems (OR, 5.33; p=0.005). Although, PSD seems safer in patients with coronary interventions, the device should further be explored in crossover trials for the two access types to determine the overall safety profile.

Effect of LOW-molecular-weight Heparin in Reducing Radial Artery Occlusion Rate After Transradial Coronary Catheterization

Effect of LOW-molecular-weight Heparin in Reducing Radial Artery Occlusion Rate After Transradial Coronary Catheterization

Prevelance of Anatomical Vascular Problems during Transradial Coronary Catheterization

Prevelance of Anatomical Vascular Problems during Transradial Coronary Catheterization

Development and treatment of two distinct pseudoaneurysms following transradial coronary catheterization in a patient with high bleeding risk: a case report

BackgroundA pseudoaneurysm is a rare but serious complication after transradial coronary catheterization. Although different treatment modalities have been proposed to treat post-catheterization pseudoaneurysm, only limited data are available to guide the treatment approach.Case presentationWe report a rare case of two distinct pseudoaneurysms complicating transradial percutaneous coronary intervention in a 75-year-old Hispanic woman being treated with dual antiplatelet agents for myocardial infarction and warfarin for atrial fibrillation. The pseudoaneurysms were diagnosed with ultrasound and were successfully treated with a series of Terumo Corporation (TR) band compressions.ConclusionsThis case demonstrates the efficacy of compression therapy in managing post-catheterization radial artery pseudoaneurysm in patients with high bleeding risk.

Incidence and predictors of radial artery occlusion after transradial coronary catheterization

BackgroundRadial artery occlusion (RAO) is considered the most common and devastating complication of transradial approach (TRA). It has been described as the “Achilles’ heel” of the transradial technique. Our aim was to assess the incidence and predictors of radial artery occlusion after transradial coronary catheterization.ResultsThis was a prospective study enrolling 164 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) via the transradial approach (TRA) using 6-F catheters. Doppler ultrasonography assessment of the radial artery (RA) was conducted on day 1 and 6 months following the procedure. The studied group included 104 male (63.4%) and 60 female (36.6%) patients with a mean age of 57.7 ± 8.8 years and a mean RA diameter of 2.8 ± 0.5 mm. On day 1, Doppler examination revealed RAO in 54 patients (32.9%). After 6 months, RAO was detected in 49 patients (29.9%). Interestingly, only 1 new case (0.9%) of RAO was noted, and 6 patients (11.1%) had regained their RA patency. On multivariate analysis, female gender, age, manual compression, and RA diameter emerged as independent predictors of RAO. Using TR band for hemostasis for only 2 h was recognized as a potent independent predictor of RA patency on day 1 and 6 months after the procedure (n = 2, 3.7% in the RAO group, vs. n = 23, 20.9% in the non-RAO group, p = 0.004).ConclusionRAO, although clinically a silent issue, has been the main complication following TRA. In patients with high predictors of RAO, careful management and close follow-up are required to ensure radial artery long-term patency.

La rilevazione e il trattamento del dolore durante le procedure di emodinamica e elettrofisiologia: uno studio descrittivo multicentrico

Coronary interventions and electrophysiology procedures may be painful both during and shortly after the procedure. To assess the onset of pain and anxiety in patient undergoing coronary interventions and electrophysiology procedures; to describe the administration (frequency, timing, dosage and outcomes) of analgesics and anxiolytics before, during and after the procedure. A descriptive multicenter study was carried out. Pain and anxiety were measured with a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) before, during, after the procedure and for the following 24 hours. Patient were asked to rate their satisfaction for the information received and pain control. Data on 230 patients were collected. The most performed procedure was the transradial coronary catheterization (68.7%). The pacemaker/defibrillator implantation resulted the most painful procedure (median 4, IQR 3-6) and also the most anxious (median 5, IQR 2-6). 13 Patients received an analgesic during the procedure for a low-to-severe pain; during the following 24 hours 34 patients (5 undergoing transradial coronary catheterization and 29 the implant of pacemaker/cardiac-defibrillator) suffered from severe pain and with the exception of 5, all requested pain relief. Satisfaction for pain control was inadequate for patients who underwent electrophysiology procedures and 55 patients would have needed more information on pain. Pain control and patient satisfaction may be improved, pre-procedural anxiety needs more attention and better information on the procedure should be provided.

Radial anomalies in North Indian patients undergoing TRAns-radial catheterization: A prospective observational study (RAIN-TRAC study)

Background: Radial artery anomalies are relatively common and one of the major causes of transradial procedure failure. Aim: The study was aimed to assess the incidence of radial axis anomalies in patients undergoing transradial cardiac catheterization and their impacts on procedural failure. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, single-center study, 1870 consecutive patients underwent transradial coronary catheterization. Radial artery anatomy was determined by injecting diluted contrast agent through radial sheath. Results: About 11.4% patients (213/1870) were noted to have abnormal radial artery anatomy which was associated with significantly higher procedural failure rate (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval [CI] = 240.72 [57.98–999.43]) and radial artery spasm (OR [95%CI] = 7.12 [4.06–12.49]) than patients with normal radial artery anatomy. Among all the radial artery anomalies, high bifurcation was the most common anomaly, found in 128 (60%) patients. The high bifurcation was found most commonly at the mid-humerus level (53.12%). Extremely tortuous radial artery was found in 43 (20%) patients. Radial artery loop was found in 22 (10%) patients and was associated with the highest failure rate (54.5%). Other unclassified anomalies were found in 20 patients (10%). In bivariate analysis, the incidence of each of the radial artery anomalies was found to have significant correlation with older age, short stature, female sex, and hypertension. Conclusion: Radial artery anomalies are not uncommon and are related to significant procedural failure. Retrograde radial arteriography helps to identify patients with unfavorable radial artery anatomy, which can be performed with a minimum amount of contrast and should be considered part of a routine transradial procedure.

Subcutaneous Injection of Nitroglycerin at the Radial Artery Puncture Site Reduces the Risk of Early Radial Artery Occlusion After Transradial Coronary Catheterization: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Transradial coronary catheterization is widely used as a diagnostic or interventional procedure for coronary disease. However, it can lead to adverse complications, such as radial artery occlusion. We sought to determine whether preprocedural injection of nitroglycerin at the radial artery puncture site reduces radial artery occlusion. A total of 188 patients undergoing transradial coronary catheterization were randomized in a single-blind fashion to receive subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mL 0.1% nitroglycerin or a placebo at the radial artery puncture site. The participants underwent ultrasound examinations of the radial artery before and at 24 hours after the procedure. Of the 188 patients enrolled, 182 completed the study, as the procedure failed in 2 participants in the nitroglycerin-treated group and 4 in the placebo group. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between 2 groups. Comparing the radial artery diameters before and after the operation, there was a statistically significant increase in the nitroglycerin-treated group (2.48±0.45 versus 2.45±0.46 mm; P=0.003) but a decrease in the placebo control group (2.41±0.50 versus 2.46±0.49 mm; P<0.001). Importantly, the incidence of radial arterial occlusion was substantially lower in the nitroglycerin-treated group than in the placebo control group (5.4% versus 14.4%; P=0.04). There was not significant difference in other complications (forearm hematoma and radial artery pseudoaneurysm, respectively), and there was no incidence of cause hypotension or an intolerable headache. Subcutaneous injection of nitroglycerin at the radial artery puncture site dilates the radial artery and reduces the incidence of early radial artery occlusion post-catheterization. URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-IPR-15006559.

CORONARY CATHETERIZATION

Introduction: In recent years the trans-radial approach has been increasinglyemployed as an alternative approach to percutaneous coronary intervention. Loss of radial pulsemay lead to ischemic symptoms like pain in hand, claudication etc. There is a lack of local dataregarding complication associated with trans-radial coronary catheterization. Therefore, thereis need for local study to find out the frequency of complications associated with trans-radialapproach. Objectives: To determine the frequency of loss of radial pulse in patients undergoingtrans-radial coronary catheterization. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department ofCardiology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Period: From 3rd June 2014 to 2nd December 2014.Methodology: All 325 cases fulfilling the inclusion/exclusion criteria undergoing coronarycatheterization were included in the study. Results: A total of 325 patients, both male and femalewith positive Allens test, undergoing Trans-radial angiography for intervention were included.Loss of radial pulse was evaluated clinically at four weeks follow up.In our sampled population,mean age was 57.01 ± 6.8 years and 240 patients (73.8%) were male while 85 patients (26.2%)were female. Only 14 patients (4.3%) out of 325 had loss of radial artery pulse while remaining311 patients (95.7%) didn’t have loss of radial artery pulse. There was found no effect of genderon outcome i.e. loss of radial pulse but older age made a person prone to loss of radial pulse.Conclusion: It is concluded that the frequency (percentage) of loss of radial pulse is quite low(4.3%) in our patients undergoing trans-radial coronary catheterization.

FREQUENCY OF LOSS OF RADIAL PULSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING TRANSRADIAL CORONARY CATHETERIZATION

Introduction: In recent years the trans-radial approach has been increasinglyemployed as an alternative approach to percutaneous coronary intervention. Loss of radial pulsemay lead to ischemic symptoms like pain in hand, claudication etc. There is a lack of local dataregarding complication associated with trans-radial coronary catheterization. Therefore, thereis need for local study to find out the frequency of complications associated with trans-radialapproach. Objectives: To determine the frequency of loss of radial pulse in patients undergoingtrans-radial coronary catheterization. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department ofCardiology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Period: From 3rd June 2014 to 2nd December 2014.Methodology: All 325 cases fulfilling the inclusion/exclusion criteria undergoing coronarycatheterization were included in the study. Results: A total of 325 patients, both male and femalewith positive Allens test, undergoing Trans-radial angiography for intervention were included.Loss of radial pulse was evaluated clinically at four weeks follow up.In our sampled population,mean age was 57.01 ± 6.8 years and 240 patients (73.8%) were male while 85 patients (26.2%)were female. Only 14 patients (4.3%) out of 325 had loss of radial artery pulse while remaining311 patients (95.7%) didn’t have loss of radial artery pulse. There was found no effect of genderon outcome i.e. loss of radial pulse but older age made a person prone to loss of radial pulse.Conclusion: It is concluded that the frequency (percentage) of loss of radial pulse is quite low(4.3%) in our patients undergoing trans-radial coronary catheterization.

Initial Experience on Anatomical Snuff Box Approach for Coronary Angiogram &amp;amp; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Tertiary Care Center Nepal

Introduction: Coronary Angiogram and Percutaneous Coronary Interventions are commonly performed via the femoral route. Then, transradial coronary catheterization became a popular & default technique due to less vascular access site complications and bleeding as compared to femoral route. Distal puncture of the radial artery through the anatomical snuff box access, however, has recently been shown potential benefit, like comfort to patients and operators, as well as maintenance of blood flow through the superficial palmar arch, in case of radial artery occlusion. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this new approach. Methods: A cross-sectional observational prospective study of patients underwent invasive diagnostic or therapeutic coronary procedures through the distal trans-radial access and traditional radial access. The primary endpoints were to access difficulties and in-hospital access-site related complications. Results: In 2 months, 190 patients underwent coronary procedures, of which 82 (43%) were selected in both distal transradial & traditional radial group. In 2(2.4%) & 3 (3.6%) cases, distal radial & traditional radial access cannulation was unsuccessful respectively (p >0.05). The mean age was 57.7 ± 10 & 57.2 ± 10 years in successful distal transradial & traditional radial cases respectively. There were no any major vascular complications in distal transradial group while there were 2 vascular complications in traditional radial group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Distal transradial access is feasible and safe in selected cases, when performed by experienced operators. Larger case series and randomized trials are required to determine its efficacy in reducing vascular complications when comparing to the traditional technique.

Patent hemostasis and comparison of two compression devices after transradial coronary catheterization and intervention

AimThe aim of this study was to compare two compression devices after transradial coronary catheterization and intervention. MethodsOut of 280 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac catheterization and intervention (n=74) as a part of a same-day discharge program, 140 patients were applied the TR Band (TB) compression device and 140 the Seal-One (SO) compression device. The time needed to achieve patent hemostasis, duration of compression and local complications were assessed. ResultsIn the TB group, patent hemostasis was achieved in 17.5±10.3min (min), in the SO group in 21.4±10.5min (p=NS). The duration of radial artery compression was 90.7±38.4min in the TB group and 64.0±26.5min in the SO group (p<0.001). The incidence of hematomas ≥5cm did not differ between the two groups (6.4% vs. 6.4%, p=NS), the incidence of hematomas larger than 10cm was 0.7% in the TB group and 1.4% in the SO group (p=NS). No radial artery occlusion or other local complications were found. ConclusionPostprocedural radial artery compression with TR Band and Seal-One devices is associated with early patent hemostasis and a short duration of compression. The use of the Seal-One device was related to a shorter mean compression time in this study. No radial artery occlusion at discharge, nor any other local complications occurred following the radial artery compression, except for several clinically insignificant hematomas.

Long-term endothelial dysfunction after trans-radial catheterization: A meta-analytic approach.

Following cardiac catheterization using radial artery (RA) access, persistent endothelial dysfunction may limit the use of RA as a conduit during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We reviewed published literature to investigate the effects of transradial coronary catheterization on RA endothelial function. We searched PubMed from inception to April 2017 for published studies assessing RA endothelial function late (≥1 month) after coronary catheterization. A total of 12 eligible published studies (n = 490 patients) were included in the final quantitative synthesis. Statistical heterogeneity among studies was assessed by the I2 . A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimate for standardized mean difference (SMD). Meta-regression analysis was used to explore predictors of change in RA endothelial function following catheterization. In all studies, a significant reduction in endothelium dependent response was observed post-catheterization (SMD = -0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.93 to -0.13, P = 0.01) and a marginal, non-significant, reduction in endothelium independent response (SMD = -0.38, 95%CI: -0.77, 0.01, P < 0.059). In controlled studies, using the contralateral RA as a control, a significant impairment in endothelial function was confirmed (SMD = -6.26, 95%CI: -9.71 to -2.81, P < 0.0001), while the change in endothelium-independent response was not significant (SMD = -4.46, 95%CI: -13.3 to 4.37, P = 0.32). In meta-regression analysis male gender (z = 2.36, P = 0.018) and increasing time following catheterization (z = 2.62, P = 0.009) were associated with less RA endothelial dysfunction. Transradial catheterization impairs endothelium dependent vasodilatory properties of the cannulated RA, which do not recover even several months post-catheterization. Non-recovery of vasomotor function of cannulated RAs may limit their use as arterial grafts during CABG surgery.

Anesthetic ointment only (lidocaine/prilocaine) instead of injectable local lidocaine in trans-radial catheterization: A viable no-needle alternative.

The aim of the present study was to assess the level of access site pain in patients undergoing transradial coronary catheterization by using topical application of an anesthetic ointment (lidocaine/prilocaine-AO) compared to standard local anesthesia (LA) by means of injectable lidocaine. We prospectively studied 444 patients undergoing elective trans-radial coronary angiography. The quality of analgesia was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately after the puncture and 30 min after the removal of the sheath. The number and duration of attempts before successful sheath insertion, as well as artery spasm, were compared between the two groups. Pain levels measured by VAS were found to be similar between the two groups during sheath insertion (VAS: AO: 4.84 ± 1.0 vs 4.82 ± 1.2, P = NS), as well as 30 min after sheath removal (VAS: AO: 0.07 ± 0.5 vs LA: 0.15 ± 0.6, P = NS). The time to obtain radial access was also not affected by the use of anesthetic ointment (AO: 62.24 ± 25.7 s vs LA: 64.04 ± 18.78 sec, P = NS). The rate of clinical or angiographic radial artery spasm was similar (8-10%) between the groups (P = NS) CONCLUSION: Use of a local anesthetic ointment, versus injectable lidocaine, in trans-radial cardiac catheterization as means of local anesthesia, was found to be equally effective in terms of pain, artery spasm, or artery cannulation speed.

Radial artery occlusion after transradial coronary catheterization.

The transradial approach (TRA) for coronary angiography and interventions is increasingly utilized around the world. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common significant complication after transradial catheterization, with incidence varying between 1% and 10%. Although RAO is rarely accompanied by hand ischemia, it is an important complication because it prohibits future transradial access and radial artery utilization as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting or arteriovenous fistula formation. In this review, we discuss factors predicting the occurrence of RAO, aspects of accurate and prompt recognition, methods that contribute to its prevention and possible treatment options.