Comparison of radiation exposure associated with transradial and transfemoral access: An updated meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in radiation exposure between transradial access (TRA) and transfemoral access (TFA) for coronary procedures. BACKGROUND: TRA is associated with increased radiation exposure as compared to TFA. We compared radiation exposure between the two access sites. METHODS: Databases were searched from June 2014 to August 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting coprimary outcomes of fluoroscopy time (FT) and/or dose area product (DAP) comparing TRA with TFA. Meta-regression was performed to assess the behavior of weighted mean difference (WMD) in FT from 1995 to 2021. Observational study data was used for corroborative evidence. RESULTS: Data from 8 RCTs (11,611 patients) showed the WMD of FT was 0.62 min (37 s) (95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.08-1.17], p = 0.023) in favor of TFA, WMD in DAP (9169 patients) was 1.94 Gy.cm2 (95% CI: [-2.1 to 5.9], p = 0.35) showing no significant difference. Pooled data from OBS and RCTs (83,990 patients) showed a similar trend. Studies from outside US between 1995 and 2021 showed WMD of FT between TRA and TFA of 0.88 min (52 s) (95% CI: [0.67-1.09], p = 0.005) versus 2.1 min (126 s) (95% CI: [1.38-2.8], p = 0.005) for US in favor of TFA. Meta-regression showed a declining WMD of FT between TRA and TFA from 1.6 min (96 s) in 1996 to 0.5 min (30 s) in 2020 with the lower limit of CI crossing the zero line in 2019. CONCLUSION: Radiation exposure between TRA and TFA continues to decrease overtime and is becoming clinically nonsignificant.

Safety and Efficacy of Robotic-Assisted PCI.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Robotics has been used in multiple areas of procedural medical intervention. Robotic percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been available since 2004. Its adoption has been slow with initial application in simple cases. RECENT FINDINGS: With increasing adoption, robotic PCI has been applied to a broader variety of coronary substrates with demonstration of safety and efficacy. Improvements in the robotic console with future generation devices should add to the utility of this platform. Robotic PCI advances the innovations in endovascular space into a different dimension, removing the dependence of the procedure on patient-operator ergonomics and likely operator skill.

Association between distance from the radiation source and radiation exposure: A phantom-based study.

OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated the association between distance from radiation source and radiation exposure. BACKGROUND: Radiation exposure during medical procedures is associated with increased risk of cancer and other adverse effects. METHODS: An American National Standards Institute phantom was used to study the relationship between measured entrance surface exposure (MESE) and distance from the X-ray source in postero-anterior, left anterior oblique, and right anterior oblique projections. Three distance settings for table height were evaluated with "low" defined as 52 cm, "mid" 66 cm, and "high" 80 cm from the focal point of the X-ray source. Air-kerma and dose-area product measurements were recorded. Operator exposure with each of these conditions was measured, in a short operator (150 cm) as well as in a tall operator (190 cm). RESULTS: Aggregate results for the three projections were as follows. MESE (µGy/frame) significantly decreased as table-height increases (median, interquartile range, p-value) (low table-height 192.5 [122.4-201.2], mid table-height 105.8 [82.7-115.8], and high table-height 71.7 [58.4-75], p < .0005). The operator exposure (µGy/frame), significantly increased as the table-height increased (low table-height 0.0943 [0.0598-0.1157], medium table-height 0.1128 [0.0919-0.1397], and high table-height 0.158 [0.1339-0.2165], p < .0005). A shorter operator received higher radiation exposure compared to a taller operator (short operator 0.1405 [0.1155-0.1758] and tall operator 0.0995 [0.0798-0.1212], p < .0005). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing table-height is associated with a significant decrease in MESE. Operator radiation exposure increases with increasing table-height and shorter operators receive greater radiation exposure compared to taller operators.

SCAI expert consensus statement update on best practices for transradial angiography and intervention.

Transradial angiography and intervention continues to become increasingly common as an access site for coronary procedures. Since the first "Best Practices" paper in 2013, ongoing trials have shed further light onto the safest and most efficient methods to perform these procedures. Specifically, this document comments on the use of ultrasound to facilitate radial access, the role of ulnar artery access, the utility of non-invasive testing of collateral flow, strategies to prevent radial artery occlusion, radial access for primary PCI and topics that require further study.

Radial versus femoral approach for saphenous vein grafts angiography and interventions.

BACKGROUND: Coronary angiography and intervention to saphenous venous grafts (SVGs) remain challenging. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of the radial approach compared to femoral access in a large cohort of patients undergoing SVG angiography and intervention. METHODS: Data from 1,481 patients from Canada, United States, and Spain who underwent procedures between 2010 and 2016 were collected. Patients must have undergone SVG coronary angiography and/or intervention. Demographics, procedural data, and in-hospital complications were recorded. RESULTS: Procedures were undertaken by either the radial (n = 863, 211 intervention) or femoral (n = 618, 260 intervention) approach. The mean number of SVGs per patient was similar between groups (radial 2.3 ± 0.7 vs femoral 2.6 ± 1.1, P = .61), but the radial group required a fewer number of catheters (2.6 ± 1.7 vs 4.1 ± 1.1, P < .001). Fluoroscopy time was comparable between groups, and there was a trend toward lower contrast volume in the radial group (P = .045). Overall, the total dose of heparin was significantly higher in the radial group (P < .001); however, radial patients experienced significantly less access-site bleeding complications (P < .001). Outpatients undergoing radial SVG interventions had a higher likelihood of a same-day discharge home (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Radial access for SVG angiography and intervention is safe and feasible, without increasing fluoroscopy time. In experienced centers, radial access was associated with fewer catheters used, lower contrast volume, and lower rate of vascular access-site bleeding complications. Moreover, outpatients undergoing SVG percutaneous coronary intervention though the radial approach had a higher likelihood of a same-day discharge home.

Distal transradial artery access in the anatomical snuffbox for coronary angiography as an alternative access site for faster hemostasis.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the feasibility, safety, and the potential benefit of faster hemostasis with the distal transradial artery access (TRA). BACKGROUND: TRA has been shown to be associated with lower bleeding and vascular complications. Limited data are available regarding the new technique of accessing the distal radial artery in the anatomical snuffbox. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 202 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography and intervention with distal TRA. Two hundred and six conventional TRA cases were collected as a comparison arm. RESULTS: Out of 408 patients, successful distal radial access was obtained in 99.5% (201/202) in the distal TRA cases and 99.0% (204/206) in the conventional TRA cases. The rate of access site crossover was 2.0% (4/202) for distal TRA. Right distal radial artery was accessed in 176 cases (87.6%). Mean access time from local anesthesia to radial flush was 7.3 min. Ninety cases (44.8%) were percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and the mean heparin dose used was 4,448 units (6,009 units for PCI and 3,182 units for diagnostic catheterization). Mean time to remove TR band was 104.7 min (120.8 min for PCI and 91.7 min for diagnostics). Follow-up ultrasound study showed two partial occlusions (1.0%) and one arteriovenous fistula (0.5%) that resolved with prolonged TR band inflation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite longer time to access the distal radial artery in the anatomical snuffbox, it is a safe and feasible alternative to conventional TRA and might result in shorter time to hemostasis especially in cases of PCI.

Contemporary transradial access practices: Results of the second international survey.

OBJECTIVES: To gain insight into current practice of transradial angiography and intervention in the United States and around the world. BACKGROUND: Transradial access (TRA) has grown worldwide. In a prior survey, there was significant practice variation and there was minimal US participation which limited the generalizability to US operators. METHODS: We used an internet-based survey software program to solicit input from practicing interventional cardiologists from the United States and around the world. US operators were compared with outside the United States (OUS) operators and respondent-level comparisons were made with the prior survey to assess for temporal changes in practice. RESULTS: Between August 2016 and January 1, 2017, 125 interventional cardiologists completed the survey representing 91 countries with the United States having 449 (39.9%) respondents. Preprocedure, noninvasive testing for collateral circulation is used more commonly in the United States (54.1%) than around the world (26.6%) but its use has decreased since 2010. In the US, 48.8% of operators never use ultrasound and 92.6% of OUS operators never use it; only 4.4% overall use ultrasound in >50% of cases. Use of bivalirudin has decreased in the US and OUS. Nearly, 30% of operators do not assess for radial artery patency following hemostasis. US respondents used TRA less commonly for primary PCI for STEMI than their global counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: There is wide variation in how TRA procedures are performed including relatively low rates of adherence to practices that are known to improve outcomes. Further education aimed at increasing use of best practices will impact patient outcomes.

Randomized trial of primary PCI with or without routine manual thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: During primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), manual thrombectomy may reduce distal embolization and thus improve microvascular perfusion. Small trials have suggested that thrombectomy improves surrogate and clinical outcomes, but a larger trial has reported conflicting results. METHODS: We randomly assigned 10,732 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary PCI to a strategy of routine upfront manual thrombectomy versus PCI alone. The primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, recurrent myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV heart failure within 180 days. The key safety outcome was stroke within 30 days. RESULTS: The primary outcome occurred in 347 of 5033 patients (6.9%) in the thrombectomy group versus 351 of 5030 patients (7.0%) in the PCI-alone group (hazard ratio in the thrombectomy group, 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85 to 1.15; P=0.86). The rates of cardiovascular death (3.1% with thrombectomy vs. 3.5% with PCI alone; hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.12; P=0.34) and the primary outcome plus stent thrombosis or target-vessel revascularization (9.9% vs. 9.8%; hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.14; P=0.95) were also similar. Stroke within 30 days occurred in 33 patients (0.7%) in the thrombectomy group versus 16 patients (0.3%) in the PCI-alone group (hazard ratio, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.75; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI who were undergoing primary PCI, routine manual thrombectomy, as compared with PCI alone, did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or NYHA class IV heart failure within 180 days but was associated with an increased rate of stroke within 30 days. (Funded by Medtronic and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; TOTAL ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01149044.).

Perforated balloon technique: A simple and handy technique to combat no-reflow phenomenon in coronary system.

OBJECTIVE: Examining the efficacy and outcomes of intracoronary (IC) instillation of adenosine using a novel perforated balloon technique (PBT) to combat no-reflow phenomenon during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). BACKGROUND: Occurrence of no-reflow during PCI is a serious adverse prognostic event and inability to re-establish better flow is associated with poor outcomes. Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been used to treat this situation. This series describes the use of PBT for IC adenosine administration and its effects on outcomes during real world interventional practice. METHODS: Subjects comprised of 24 patients with ACS (out of a total of 1,634 patients undergoing PCI between January 2016 and June 2017) in whom we used PBT for IC administration of adenosine to treat coronary no-reflow. RESULTS: PBT for IC adenosine instillation was used in 24 (1.5%) of 1,634 patients undergoing PCI. TIMI grade III flow was established in 21 patients (87.5%). In two patients (8.3%) TIMI grade II flow was established and in one patient (4.2%) we were unsuccessful. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a novel strategy for adenosine instillation in the distal coronary bed, the PBT. This technique enables rapid and cost-effective treatment of no-reflow phenomenon during PCI for ACS.

Outcomes after thrombus aspiration for ST elevation myocardial infarction: 1-year follow-up of the prospective randomised TOTAL trial.

BACKGROUND: Two large trials have reported contradictory results at 1 year after thrombus aspiration in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In a 1-year follow-up of the largest randomised trial of thrombus aspiration, we aimed to clarify the longer-term benefits, to help guide clinical practice. METHODS: The trial of routine aspiration ThrOmbecTomy with PCI versus PCI ALone in Patients with STEMI (TOTAL) was a prospective, randomised, investigator-initiated trial of routine manual thrombectomy versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) alone in 10,732 patients with STEMI. Eligible adult patients (aged ≥18 years) from 87 hospitals in 20 countries were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) within 12 h of symptom onset to receive routine manual thrombectomy with PCI or PCI alone. Permuted block randomisation (with variable block size) was done by a 24 h computerised central system, and was stratified by centre. Participants and investigators were not masked to treatment assignment. The trial did not show a difference at 180 days in the primary outcome of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or heart failure. However, the results showed improvements in the surrogate outcomes of ST segment resolution and distal embolisation, but whether or not this finding would translate into a longer term benefit remained unclear. In this longer-term follow-up of the TOTAL study, we report the results on the primary outcome (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or heart failure) and secondary outcomes at 1 year. Analyses of the primary outcome were by modified intention to treat and only included patients who underwent index PCI. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01149044. FINDINGS: Between Aug 5, 2010, and July 25, 2014, 10,732 eligible patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to thrombectomy followed by PCI (n=5372) or to PCI alone (n=5360). After exclusions of patients who did not undergo PCI in each group (337 in the PCI and thrombectomy group and 331 in the PCI alone group), the final study population comprised 10,064 patients (5035 thrombectomy and 5029 PCI alone). The primary outcome at 1 year occurred in 395 (8%) of 5035 patients in the thrombectomy group compared with 394 (8%) of 5029 in the PCI alone group (hazard ratio [HR] 1·00 [95% CI 0·87-1·15], p=0·99). Cardiovascular death within 1 year occurred in 179 (4%) of the thrombectomy group and in 192 (4%) of 5029 in the PCI alone group (HR 0·93 [95% CI 0·76-1·14], p=0·48). The key safety outcome, stroke within 1 year, occurred in 60 patients (1·2%) in the thrombectomy group compared with 36 (0·7%) in the PCI alone group (HR 1·66 [95% CI 1·10-2·51], p=0·015). INTERPRETATION: Routine thrombus aspiration during PCI for STEMI did not reduce longer-term clinical outcomes and might be associated with an increase in stroke. As a result, thrombus aspiration can no longer be recommended as a routine strategy in STEMI. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Network and Centre for Trials Internationally, and Medtronic Inc.

Determinants of operator radiation exposure during percutaneous coronary procedures.

BACKGROUND: Radiation exposure is an important issue for interventional cardiologists that is often underevaluated. Our aim was to evaluate determinants of operator radiation exposure during percutaneous coronary procedures. METHODS: The RADIANT (NCT01974453) is a prospective, single-center observational study involving 4 expert operators and 2 fellows performing percutaneous coronary procedures. The operator radiation dose was evaluated using dedicated electronic dosimeters in 2,028 procedures: 1,897 transradial access (TRA; 1,120 right and 777 left TRA) and 131 transfemoral access (TFA). RESULTS: In the whole population, operator radiation dose at the thorax did not differ between TFA (9µSv [interquartile range 5-18µSv]) and TRA (9µSv [4-21µSv]), but after propensity score matching analysis, TFA showed lower dose (9µSv [5-18µSv]) compared with TRA (17µSv [9-28µSv], P<.001). In the whole transradial group, left TRA (5µSv [2-12µSv]) was associated with significant lower operator dose compared with right TRA (13µSv [6-26µSv], P<.001).The use of adjunctive protective pelvic drapes was significantly associated with lower radiation doses compared with procedures performed without drapes (P<.001). Among the operators, an inverse relation between height and dose was observed. Finally, left projections and the use of angiographic systems not dedicated for coronary and high frame rates were all associated with a significant higher operator radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS: In a high-volume center for transradial procedures, TFA is associated with lower operator radiation dose compared with TRA. The use of adjunctive anti-rx drapes seems a valuable tool to reduce the higher operator radiation exposure associated with TRA.

Interosseous artery as an access artery in case of late radial artery occlusion.

We report a new technique of arterial access through the ipsilateral interosseous artery in a case of late radial artery occlusion (RAO). RAO, although not frequent, is a limiting iatrogenic complication after transradial intervention (TRI) and precludes repeat use of the same radial artery for future procedures. Our technique involves obtaining access to the ipsilateral radial artery (RA) in the distal postocclusion segment and use of collateral channel between this segment and the interosseous artery (IOA) for advancing a guidewire and sheath in the IOA lumen and in brachial artery thereafter. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

New technique for treatment of postcatheterization radial artery pseudoaneurysm.

We report a new technique for treatment of radial artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) caused by transradial access (TRA) for coronary angiography. Traditional extrinsic compression with radial flow cessation leads to a local milieu likely associated with an increase in probability of radial artery occlusion (RAO). Our technique involves obtaining ipsilateral radial artery access distal to the neck of the RAP followed by a prolonged sheath dwell time covering the neck of the RAP which allows the RAP sac to thrombose and maintains radial artery lumen patency. © 2016 The Authors. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Radiation exposure in relation to the arterial access site used for diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transradial access for cardiac catheterisation results in lower bleeding and vascular complications than the traditional transfemoral access route. However, the increased radiation exposure potentially associated with transradial access is a possible drawback of this method. Whether transradial access is associated with a clinically significant increase in radiation exposure that outweighs its benefits is unclear. Our aim was therefore to compare radiation exposure between transradial access and transfemoral access for diagnostic coronary angiograms and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). METHODS: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases with relevant terms, and cross-referencing relevant articles for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared radiation parameters in relation to access site, published from Jan 1, 1989, to June 3, 2014. Three investigators independently sorted the potentially relevant studies, and two others extracted data. We focused on the primary radiation outcomes of fluoroscopy time and kerma-area product, and used meta-regression to assess the changes over time. Secondary outcomes were operator radiation exposure and procedural time. We used both fixed-effects and random-effects models with inverse variance weighting for the main analyses, and we did confirmatory analyses for observational studies. FINDINGS: Of 1252 records identified, we obtained data from 24 published RCTs for 19 328 patients. Our primary analyses showed that transradial access was associated with a small but significant increase in fluoroscopy time for diagnostic coronary angiograms (weighted mean difference [WMD], fixed effect: 1·04 min, 95% CI 0·84-1·24; p<0·0001) and PCI (1·15 min, 95% CI 0·96-1·33; p<0·0001), compared with transfemoral access. Transradial access was also associated with higher kerma-area product for diagnostic coronary angiograms (WMD, fixed effect: 1·72 Gy·cm(2), 95% CI -0·10 to 3·55; p=0·06), and significantly higher kerma-area product for PCI (0·55 Gy·cm(2), 95% CI 0·08-1·02; p=0·02). Mean operator radiation doses for PCI with basic protection were 107 µSv (SD 110) with transradial access and 74 µSv (68) with transfemoral access; with supplementary protection, the doses decreased to 21 µSv (17) with transradial access and 46 µSv (9) with transfemoral. Meta-regression analysis showed that the overall difference in fluoroscopy time between the two procedures has decreased significantly by 75% over the past 20 years from 2 min in 1996 to about 30 s in 2014 (p<0·0001). In observational studies, differences and effect sizes remained consistent with RCTs. INTERPRETATION: Transradial access was associated with a small but significant increase in radiation exposure in both diagnostic and interventional procedures compared with transfemoral access. Since differences in radiation exposure narrow over time, the clinical significance of this small increase is uncertain and is unlikely to outweigh the clinical benefits of transradial access. FUNDING: None.

The learning curve for transradial percutaneous coronary intervention among operators in the United States: a study from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry.

BACKGROUND: Adoption of transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (TRI) in the United States is low and may be related to challenges learning the technique. We examined the relationships between operator TRI volume and procedural metrics and outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used CathPCI Registry data from July 2009 to December 2012 to identify new radial operators, defined by an exclusively femoral percutaneous coronary intervention approach for 6 months after their first percutaneous coronary intervention in the database and ≥15 total TRIs thereafter. Primary outcomes of fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, and procedure success were chosen as markers of technical proficiency. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, bleeding, and vascular complications. Adjusted outcomes were analyzed by using operator TRI experience as a continuous variable with generalized linear mixed models. Among 54 561 TRI procedures performed at 704 sites, 942 operators performed 1 to 10 procedures, 942 operators performed 11 to 50 procedures, 375 operators performed 51 to 100 procedures, and 148 operators performed 101 to 200 procedures. As radial caseload increased, more TRIs were performed in women, in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and for emergency indications. Decreased fluoroscopy time and contrast use were nonlinearly associated with greater operator TRI experience, with faster reductions observed for newer (<30-50 cases) compared with more experienced (>30-50 cases) operators. Procedure success was high, whereas mortality, bleeding, and vascular complications remained low across TRI volumes. CONCLUSIONS: As operator TRI volume increases, higher-risk patients are chosen for TRI. Despite this, operator proficiency improves with greater TRI experience, and safety is maintained. The threshold to overcome the learning curve appears to be approximately 30 to 50 cases.

Impact of access site choice on outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of transradial access (TRA) in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) is uncertain. We sought to determine the benefits of TRA in patients with CS undergoing coronary angiography/intervention. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, and electronic databases were searched for studies that assessed the following: (1) patients with CS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and (2) the association between choice of arterial access, 30-day all-cause mortality, and 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCEs) using random-effects model. RESULTS: From 3,652 retrieved citations, 8 studies involving 8,131 patients with CS undergoing PCI (via TRA: 2,321 patients, via TFA: 5,810 patients) were included. Transradial access was associated with significantly reduced risk for all-cause mortality (unadjusted: risk ratio [RR] 0.60, 95% CI 0.52-0.71, P < .001, I(2) = 29%, 8 included studies; adjusted: RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.46-0.65, P < .001, I(2) = 0%, 6 included studies) and MACCE (unadjusted: RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.63-0.73, P < .001, I(2) = 0%, 6 included studies; adjusted: RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.52-0.75, P < .001, I(2) = 0%, 4 included studies) at 30 days when compared with TFA. CONCLUSIONS: Transradial access is associated with reduced mortality and MACCE at 30 days in patients with CS undergoing PCI. Considering the possible influence of selection bias on the effect estimate in our analysis, randomized controlled trials are needed to better assess this association.

"Combo" technique for the use of 7F guide catheter system during transradial approach.

Even a regular lumen of radial artery may create difficulty in smooth negotiation and propagation of a 7F guide catheter while performing intervention through transradial approach. We describe successive five cases of a simple and innovative "Combo" technique, which helps relatively atraumatic tracking of a 7F guide catheter through the course of arm and chest vasculature for successful completion of procedure without significant damage and local pain.

A novel nonpharmacologic technique to remove entrapped radial sheath.

Radial artery access for performance of coronary and peripheral diagnostic as well as interventional procedures is on the rise. With increasing adoption comes the expected increase in procedural complications. We describe a novel, simple, and effective nonpharmacologic solution for sheath entrapment related to pharmaco-resistant radial artery spasm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

4Fr in 5Fr sheathless technique with standard catheters for transradial coronary interventions: technical challenges and persisting issues.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of performing sheathless 5Fr transradial percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) using 4Fr diagnostic catheters as dilators. BACKGROUND: There is a direct association between artery-catheter mismatch and risk of radial artery occlusion. METHODS: We recruited 130 patients who underwent 4Fr sheathless diagnostic angiography with super torque (Cordis Corporation, USA) catheters followed by ad hoc PCI. To facilitate skin and vessel penetration, the Judkins right catheter (110 cm) was inserted inside the 5Fr guiding catheter (100 cm) as dilator. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 63±12 years with 74% of males. Unfractionated heparin monotherapy was used in 84%, bivalirudin in 12%, and platelet glycoprotein 2b/3a inhibitors in 13%. Right radial artery was used in 99%. In three cases, no PCI was performed (FFR) and in two (1.5%) cases, a sheath was required after guiding catheter insertion due to local bleeding. In six cases (4.6%), upscale to 6Fr sheathed approach was required. No spasm occurred. Overall procedural success was achieved in 114/119 (96%) cases, including left main PCI, bifurcation PCI in 10 (8%) cases, CTO in 5 (4%) and IVUS use in 6 (5%) cases. Immediately after hemostasis completion, duplex ultrasound showed normal flow in 76%, occlusive thrombus in 13%, pseudo-aneurysmal dilatation in 11% and local hematoma surrounding puncture site in 20%. Hemoglobin dropped from 138±19 g/l to 131±16 g/l 4-6 hours after PCI. CONCLUSION: Using 4Fr diagnostic catheters as dilators, simple and complex PCI can be performed with standard 5Fr guiding catheters as sheathless techniques. However, suboptimal transition between diagnostic and guiding catheters likely creates radial artery trauma leading to frequent occlusive thrombus and hematoma surrounding the radial artery.

Aspiration Thrombectomy in Patients Undergoing Primary Angioplasty for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Trial of Routine Aspiration Thrombectomy with PCI versus PCI alone in patients with STEMI (TOTAL trial) refuted the salutary effect of routine aspiration thrombectomy (AT) in PPCI for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVES: We performed an updated meta-analysis to assess clinical outcomes with AT prior to PPCI compared with conventional PPCI alone including the additional trial data. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical trials (n = 20) that randomized patients (n = 21,281) with STEMI between Routine AT (n = 10,619) and PPCI (n = 10,662) were pooled. There was no difference in all-cause mortality between the 2 groups (RR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.78-1.01, P = 0.08). Stratifying by follow up at 1-month (RR: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.69-1.10, P = 0.25), up to 6 months (RR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.74-1.13, P = 0.39 and beyond 6 months (RR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.74-1.05, P = 0.16) yielded similar results. There was a statistically significant increase risk of stoke rate in the AT arm (RR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.01-2.25, P = 0.04). The 2 groups were similar with regards to target vessel revascularization (0.94, 95%CI: 0.83-1.06, P = 0.28) recurrent MI (RR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.80-1.16, P = 0.68, MACE events (RR: 0.91 95%CI: 0.81-1.02, P = 0.11), early (0.59, 95%CI: 0.23-1.50, P = 0.27) and late (RR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.69-1.18, P = 0.47) stent thrombosis and net clinical benefit (RR 0.99, 95%CI: 0.91-1.07, P = 0.76). CONCLUSION: Routine AT prior to PPCI in STEMI is associated with higher risk of stroke. There is no statistical difference in clinical outcome parameters of mortality, major adverse cardiac events, target vessel revascularization, stent thrombosis, and net clinical benefit between AT and PCI alone.