The Radial Artery: An Applicable Approach to Complex Coronary Angioplasty.

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical value of the transradial approach (TRA) in coronary angioplasty. During the 18Ðmonth period from June 1994 to December 1995, 250 patients (mean age 61 +/- 11) underwent coronary angioplasty using the transradial approach. In 7 (2.8%) radial puncture was unsuccessful and in 6 (2.4%) additional femoral access was needed to complete the procedure. Ninety patients (36%) had angioplasty of two or three vessels and 49.5% had type B2 or C lesions. Sixty-five patients (22%) had additional procedures: stent implantations in 50 (16%) and rotational ablation in 15 (6%). Angiographic success was 97% and there were no deaths. Major procedural complications included: Q-wave myocardial infarction in 2 (0.8%), non-Q-wave myocardial infarction in 5 (2.0%), urgent coronary artery bypass grafting in 2 (0.8%) and CVA in 2 (0.8%). Local vascular complication included: compartment syndrome necessitating fasciotomy in 1 patient (0.4%), mild hematoma in 6 (2.4%) and a small pseudo-aneurysm treated by local compression in 4 (1.6%). Radial pulse was palpated in 93% before discharge and in 3% adequate flow could be heard with Doppler. No patient suffered from ischemia of the hand. Complex coronary angioplasty can be performed safely using the TRA with few vascular complications.