Comparative efficacy and safety of the left versus right radial approach for percutaneous coronary procedures: a meta-analysis including 6870 patients

The radial approach is widely used in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. We conducted a meta-analysis of published results on the efficacy and safety of the left and right radial approaches in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary procedures. A systematic search of reference databases was conducted, and data from 14 randomized controlled trials involving 6870 participants were analyzed. The left radial approach was associated with significant reductions in fluoroscopy time [standardized mean difference (SMD)=-0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI)=-0.19 to -0.09; P<0.00001] and contrast volume (SMD=-0.07, 95%CI=-0.12 to -0.02; P=0.009). There were no significant differences in rate of procedural failure of the left and the right radial approaches [risk ratios (RR)=0.98; 95%CI=0.77-1.25; P=0.88] or procedural time (SMD=-0.05, 95%CI=0.17-0.06; P=0.38). Tortuosity of the subclavian artery (RR=0.27, 95%CI=0.14-0.50; P<0.0001) was reported more frequently with the right radial approach. A greater number of catheters were used with the left than with the right radial approach (SMD=0.25, 95%CI=0.04-0.46; P=0.02). We conclude that the left radial approach is as safe as the right radial approach, and that the left radial approach should be recommended for use in percutaneous coronary procedures, especially in percutaneous coronary angiograms.

Slender Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (“Slender PCI”) via Transradial approach by using 5Fr Guide Catheter- An Updated Single Center Experiences.

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the primary procedural success of slender PCI via transradial approach using either Bare-metal stents (BMS) or Drug Eluting Stent (DES). Methods: Total 10 patients were enrolled in this very preliminary study. Among them, Male: 8 and Female: 2. Clinical presentation were Ant MI: 4 (40%), Inf. MI: 2 (20%), Angina II-III: 3 (30%), and NSTEMI: 1 (10%). Total 10 stents were deployed. Mean age were for Male: 44yrs, for Female: 55yrs . Associated CAD risk factors were Dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive FH for CAD and Smoking (all male). Results: Among the study group; 9 (90%) were Dyslipidemic, 5 (50%) were hypertensive; 6 (60%) patients were Diabetic, FH 6 (6%) and 8(63%) were all male smoker. Female patients were more obese (BMI M 24: F 27) and developed CAD in advance age. Common stented territory were LAD: 5 (50%) followed by RCA: 3 (30%) and LCX: 2 (20%). Average length and diameter of stent for LAD, RCA and LCX were 3.25, 3.16, 2.5 and 21.4, 20.3, 20 respectively. Stent used: BMS 3 (30%), Everolimus 5 (50%), Sirolimus 1(10%) and Zotarolimus 1(0.75%). Less contrast used (49.5ml), reduced radiation exposure (4727Gym2) and less fluoroscopy time (193 sec) with overall no procedural complication were observed. Conclusion: Our study has shown that the slender PCI via radial artery with a 5F guide catheter is safe with no procedural complication. It is also associated with less radiation exposure, less fluoroscopy time, good backup support and quick mobilization of patient.

Trans-Radial versus Trans-Femoral Intervention for the Treatment of Coronary Bifurcations: Results from Coronary Bifurcation Stenting Registry

Trans-radial (TR) approach is increasingly recognized as an alternative to the routine use of trans-femoral (TF) approach. However, there are limited data comparing the outcomes of these two approaches for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions. We evaluated outcomes of TR and TF percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in this complex lesion. Procedural outcomes and clinical events were compared in 1,668 patients who underwent PCI for non-left main bifurcation lesions, according to the vascular approach, either TR (n = 503) or TF (n = 1,165). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR) in all patients and in 424 propensity-score matched pairs of patients. There were no significant differences between TR and TF approaches for procedural success in the main vessel (99.6% vs 98.6%, P = 0.08) and side branches (62.6% vs 66.7%, P = 0.11). Over a mean follow-up of 22 months, cardiac death or MI (1.8% vs 2.2%, P = 0.45), TLR (4.0% vs 5.2%, P = 0.22), and MACE (5.2% vs 7.0%, P = 0.11) did not significantly differ between TR and TF groups, respectively. These results were consistent after propensity score-matched analysis. In conclusion, TR PCI is a feasible alternative approach to conventional TF approaches for bifurcation PCI (clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT00851526).

Seguridad de la angioplastía coronaria ambulatoria por vía transradial: experiencia de un centro / Safety of trans-radial ambulatory coronary angioplasty: a single center experience

Introducción: El número creciente de intervenciones coronarias ha generado una demanda mayor de camas hospitalarias. Se ha reportado que luego de un periodo postintervención de 4 a 6 horas no se observan complicaciones asociadas a la angioplastía coronaria (AC). Objetivo: Evaluar la seguridad del alta precoz luego de la angioplastía coronaria. Material y métodos: Se analizaron los pacientes (pts) sometidos a AC y dados de alta luego de una observación de 4 horas, en el período comprendido entre Enero 2004 y Agosto 2010. Se analizaron las variables clínicas y angiografías. Se consideraron criterios de seguridad: infarto y/o trombosis del stent, complicaciones hemorrágicas y mortalidad hasta los 30 días. Resultados: Se realizó AC ambulatoria a 414 pacientes con una edad de 63.17 +/- 10.4 años. 80 por ciento fueron hombres. El 53 por ciento fueron portadores de enfermedad de 2 y 3 vasos. La AC fue exitosa en el 95.9 por ciento de casos. El 49 por ciento de las lesiones tratadas fueron de complejidad mayor (tipo B2 y C). Se analizaron los índices de seguridad en tres periodos: 4 a 24 horas, 24 horas a 7 dias y de 7 días a 30 días, observándose solo 3 hemorragias menores en el período más precoz y ningún sangramiento mayor, nueva revascularización, infarto agudo del miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular, ni mortalidad en ninguno de los tiempos analizados. Conclusión: El alta precoz luego de la AC por vía radial es un procedimiento seguro independiente de la complejidad de la anatomía coronaria.

The increasing number of percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedures poses a strain on the availability of hospital. There is evidence that no complications of PTCA are observed 4 o 6 hr after the procedure. Aim: To evaluate the safety of early discharge after PTCA Methods: Patients submitted to PTCA from January to August 2010 who were discharged after a 4 hr observation period had their clinical and angiographic characteristics assessed. Infarction, stent thrombosis and 30 day mortality were determined. Results: 414 patients were included. Mean age was 63.2 years (SD 10.4), 80 percent of them males. 53 per cent had 2 or 3 vessel disease. PTCA was successful in 95.9 percent of cases. 49 per cent of coronary artery lesions were type B2 or C. 3 minor bleeding episodes occurred before 24 hr after the procedure. No major bleedings, new revascularization, acute myocardial infarction, stroke were seen up to 30 days post procedure. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Early discharge after trans-radial artery PTCA is safe even for treatment of complex coronary artery lesions.

Transradial Approach for Coronary Angiography and Interventions: Practical Applicability at a High-volume Laboratory and Safety in Korean Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radial approach was introduced as a route for coronary angiography or interventions. We assessed clinical applicability at a high-volume laboratory and safety. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Procedure-related results were compared between phase I period including learning curve and phase II period in 326 patients, in whom coronary angiography or interventions were performed by radial approach. RESULTS: 1) Success rate was 90% (292/326) in all patients, which significantly increased to 95% (246/259) during phase II compared to 69% (46/67) during phase I. 2) Time from local anesthesia to sheath placement and time for first coronary cannulation were 4.3+/-2.7min, 3.1+/-1.9min, respectively, in all patients, which significantly decreased to 3.8+/-3.6min, 2.7+/-2.4min during phase II compared to 7.0+/-3.2min, 5.7+/-4.7min during phase I. Total examination time was 21.7+/-5.5min in all patients, which significantly decreased to 20.4+/-6.2min during phase II compared to 28.3+/-8.0min during phase I. 3) Overall procedural success rate of coronary interventions was 94% (98/104). Guidewire didn't pass in 5 (5%) patients with chronic total occlusion and stent wasn't delivered in 1 (1%) due to poor guiding backup. 4) During follow-up of 61+/-25 days, weak or absent radial pulse, abnormal reverse Allen test were observed in 13 (5%), 3 (1%), 15 (6%) patients, respectively, but no claudication observed. CONCLUSION: Coronary angiography and interventions by radial approach was safe and performed without more time delay after learning curve.