A randomised controlled study of standard versus accelerated deflation of the Terumo radial band haemostasis device after transradial diagnostic cardiac catheterisation.

BACKGROUND: Radial access is the preferential access route in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography. We hypothesised that we could reduce hospital stay and improve patient comfort by accelerated deflation of the radial compression device (Terumo radial band). AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare accelerated pressure reduction with a standard Terumo radial band protocol with regard to local bleeding complications and reported pain scores after cardiac catheterisation. METHODS: We performed a single centre prospective randomised trial to compare accelerated care to standard care for patients undergoing diagnostic catheterisation through radial access. Patients in the accelerated care group started deflation after 1 hour, with a 2 ml/10-minute interval. Patients in the standard care group started after 2 hours with additional steps of deflation at 3 and 4 hours. RESULTS: Of the 173 analysed patients 86 received accelerated care and 87 patients standard care. A total of 19 patients had pulsatile bleeding, which occurred similarly in the two groups (standard care 11 vs. accelerated care 8, P=0.47). The time to Terumo radial band removal was on average 129 minutes shorter for accelerated care patients compared to standard care ( P<0.01). At 1 hour after Terumo radial band placement, accelerated care patients more often reported pain scores of 0 than standard care patients (89% vs. 74%, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There was no increase in local bleedings in the accelerated pressure reduction of the Terumo radial band after diagnostic cardiac catheterisation, increasing patient comfort and reducing hospital stay. These findings will further facilitate the widespread implementation of radial access.

The value and limitations of a wound inspection clinic after cardiac device implantation.

BACKGROUND: Due to the growing number of cardiac device implantations it is important to develop methods to reduce device-implantation related complications. AIMS: To determine whether a wound inspection clinic can play a role in the detection of device-implantation related complications. METHODS: Single-center observational study evaluating patients who received a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). RESULTS: Of 159 patients who received an appointment for the wound inspection clinic, 52 (33%) received a pacemaker and 107 (67%) received an ICD. The majority had no signs of infection. Pain (n = 13,8%) and swelling (n = 11,7%) were the most frequent signs observed, but they never necessitated intervention and recovered spontaneously in all patients. During follow-up (mean 20+/-9 weeks), complications occurred in 10 patients (6%). Most complications occurred early, within 4 days after implantation. The two late complications (at 19 and 41 days) could not be recognized at the wound inspection clinic. CONCLUSION: We found no useful role for a wound inspection clinic two weeks post-implant to detect device-related complications. Open rapid access to the pacemaker/ICD center for patients with signs and symptoms of (threatening) complications seems to be more appropriate to manage post-implant patients.