Abstract
The feasibility and safety of routine transradial coronary angiography was assessed prospectively in 394 patients between March 1998 and July 1999. All patients had a normal Allen's test. The right radial approach was used in 84% of cases and the left in 16%. Radial artery catheterization was successful in 91% of patients; the left coronary artery was selectively catheterized in 92%, and the right coronary artery in 91%. Procedure time was 28 ± 20 minutes, screening time was 8 ± 5 minutes, and 62% of patients were discharged on the same day. The optimal catheter selection was a single Castillo catheter for both coronary arteries. Left ventriculography was performed with the same catheter in 25% of patients. One patient had a left Judkins catheter that kinked and became entrapped in the right subclavian artery, requiring vascular surgery. No coronary or neurological complications were observed. Asymptomatic radial occlusion occurred in 3.5% of patients. The transradial approach was considered to give a high degree of success and an acceptable complication rate in this patient population.
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