Multicenter Randomized Evaluation of High Versus Standard Heparin Dose on Incident Radial Arterial Occlusion After Transradial Coronary Angiography: The SPIRIT OF ARTEMIS Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that more intensive over standard anticoagulation administered during coronary angiography would significantly reduce rates of radial artery occlusion (RAO). BACKGROUND: RAO, although silent, remains a frequent and therefore worrisome complication following transradial coronary angiography. Anticoagulation is effective in reducing RAO, but the optimal heparin dose remains ill defined. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized superiority trial, a high dose (100 IU/kg body weight administered in divided doses) and a standard dose (50 IU/kg body weight) of heparin during 5- or 6-F coronary angiography were compared. A total of 3,102 patients were randomized, of whom 1,836 patients not proceeding to percutaneous coronary intervention and without need for arterial access crossover entered the trial. Post-catheterization hemostasis did not follow a rigid protocol. RESULTS: A total of 102 early RAOs were found on ultrasonography (incidence 5.6%). In the high-dose heparin group, the rate of RAO was significantly lower compared with the standard-dose heparin group (27 [3.0%] vs. 75 [8.1%]; odds ratio: 0.35; 95% confidence interval: 0.22 to 0.55; p < 0.001), without compromising safety. The time to achieve hemostasis was similar between groups. To avoid 1 RAO, the number of patients needed to treat in the high-dose heparin group was approximately 20. These results were corroborated by our integrated database, showing an 80% reduction of forearm artery occlusions in high versus low heparin dose patients and our updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrating significant benefit of higher over lower anticoagulation intensity. CONCLUSIONS: High compared with standard heparin dose significantly reduced the rate of RAO in patients undergoing coronary angiography. High-intensity anticoagulation should be considered in transradial diagnostic procedures. (High [100IU/Kg] Versus Standard [50IU/Kg] Heparin Dose for Prevention of Forearm Artery Occlusion; NCT02570243).

Prevention of Radial Artery Occlusions Following Coronary Procedures: Forward and Backward Steps in Improving Radial Artery Patency Rates.

Radial artery (RA) occlusion (RAO) remains the Achilles heel of transradial coronary procedures. Although of silent nature, RAO is relatively frequent, results in graft shortage for future coronary artery bypass surgery, and may occur even after short-lasting, 5F coronary angiography (CAG). The most frequent predictors of RAO are RA size, body size, female gender, and periprocedural anticoagulation intensity. Methods to detect RAO are variable, of which the Barbeau test and ultrasonography have similar diagnostic accuracy. Data indicate that late RAO recanalization may occur. Meticulous handling of RA and the use of appropriate hemostatic devices and techniques along with sufficient heparin dose appear important measures to reduce RAO rates. Recent contradictory studies indicate that the decreasing incidence of RAO overtime is not as uniform as previously thought. In 2 meta-analyses, the benefit of higher over lower anticoagulation intensity became evident. As "it may all be appropriate anticoagulation" for a simplified approach against RAO, the results of an ongoing trial comparing 100 with 50 IU/kg body weight in transradial CAG are eagerly awaited.