Performance of the minimalistic hybrid approach algorithm versus other conventional algorithms in the percutaneous treatment of chronic total occlusions.

BACKGROUND: The "Minimalistic Hybrid Approach" (MHA) has been proposed to reduce the invasiveness of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). AIMS: This study aims to assess whether MHA may also reduce the utilization of PCI resources (devices, radiations, and contrast) by comparing it with other conventional algorithms. METHODS: We aimed to assess the impact of MHA on device, radiation, and contrast usage during CTO-PCI analyzing data from the Belgian Working Group on CTO (BWG-CTO) registry. Patients were divided, depending on the algorithm used, into two groups: Conventional versus Minimalistic. Primary objectives were procedure performance measures such as device usage (microcatheters and guidewires), radiological parameters, and contrast use. At 1-year follow-up, patients were evaluated for target vessel failure (TVF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, new myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. RESULTS: Overall, we analyzed 821 CTO-PCIs (Conventional n = 650, Minimalistic n = 171). The Minimalistic group demonstrated higher complexity of CTO lesions. After adjusting for propensity score, the Minimalistic group had a significantly lower number of microcatheters used (1.49 ± 0.85 vs. 1.24 ± 0.64, p = 0.026), while the number of guidewires was comparable (4.80 ± 3.29 vs. 4.35 ± 2.94, p = 0.30). Both groups had similar rates of success and procedural complications, as well as comparable procedural and fluoroscopic times and contrast volume used. At the 1-year follow-up, both groups showed comparable rates of TVF (hazard ratio: 0.57; 95% confidence interval: 0.24-1.34, p = 0.195). CONCLUSION: The MHA may slightly reduce the number of dedicated devices used during CTO-PCI, without adversely affecting the procedural success or long-term outcome.

Clinical Practice Patterns for Transradial Coronary Artery Catheterisation in Australian and New Zealand: Mixed-Methods Survey and Interview Study.

BACKGROUND: While there has been an increase in the use of the transradial approach when performing percutaneous coronary angiography and intervention, there is evidence of variations in international practice. Ensuring that operators' practices are supported by evidence is important to ensure optimal outcomes. METHOD: Interventional cardiologists and advanced trainees completed a cross-sectional survey followed by semi-structured interviews to map current practices for transradial coronary artery procedures in Australia and New Zealand and explore factors that influence clinical decision-making around procedural practice. RESULTS: The right radial artery was the preferred access site (88%). Over a third (37%) of the participants indicated that they tested the hand circulation pre-procedure. Over a quarter of respondents (28.6%) reported that they would carry out transradial procedures regardless of the patient's coagulation status. Most participants (77.8%) described radial artery spasm in around 10% of transradial procedures performed. Only 62% of participants assessed for radial artery occlusion post-catheterisation. Interview data revealed four themes that guided clinical decision-making, namely (1) Decision-making based on research, (2) Using clinical experience, (3) Being led by their training, and (4) Individual patient factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that despite clinical guidelines, substantial practice variation exists in transradial coronary artery catheterisation across Australia and New Zealand. The variation in practice and factors impacting clinical decision-making highlight a need for future strategies to optimise evidence translation and implementation across clinical settings.

Clinical predictors and management for radial artery spasm: an Australian cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The transradial approach for coronary artery catheterisation has increased in popularity compared to the transfemoral approach for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. However, radial artery spasm continues to be a major complication of the procedure. Current management strategies vary concerning radial artery spasm and there is limited evidence of practice in the Australian context. AIM: To identify the predictors of radial artery spasm and the medications used for its prevention and management. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a three-month period in two tertiary hospitals in NSW, Australia. A self-administered pre-procedural survey was completed by patients undergoing coronary artery catheterisation. This survey collected socio-demographic data and assessed anxiety using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Procedural data, including length of procedure, equipment used, occurrence of radial artery spasm, and medications given, were collected post-procedure by the interventionalist. RESULTS: Of the 169 participants, over half were male (59.8%) and aged 66 years or older (56.8%). Radial artery spasm was reported in 24 (14.2%) participants. Rates of spasm were significantly higher among females (66.6%, p = 0.004), those aged under 65 years (62.5%, p = 0.001) and those who reported a medical history of anxiety (33.3%, p = 0.0004). There were no significant differences in State and Trait anxiety scores among those who had RAS and those who did not. Logistic regression identified younger age as the only statistically significant predictor of RAS (OR 0.536; 95% CI 0.171-1.684; p = 0.005). To prevent radial artery spasm most patients received midazolam (n = 158; 93.5%), nitrates (n = 133; 78.7%) and/or fentanyl (n = 124; 73.4%) prophylactically. Nitrates were the most frequently administered medication to treat radial artery spasm (78.7%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights that there is a need to develop a clearer understanding of the predictors of RAS, as identifying patients at risk can ensure prophylactic measures are implemented. This study identified nitrates as the preferred vasodilator as a preventative measure along with the use of sedation.

Predictors of success and puncture site complications in the distal radial approach.

The distal radial approach (DRA) has been proposed as an alternative approach for coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, the predictors of DRA failure and puncture site complications are unclear. Among 7153 consecutive patients undergoing CAG or PCI between November 2018 and January 2021, 3610 patients undergoing CAG or PCI with DRA were analyzed. The primary endpoint of this study was the procedural success, and the secondary endpoint of this study was puncture site complications during procedure. Puncture site complications during procedure were defined as a composite of major bleeding, minor bleeding, arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm, and neuropathy. The DRA success rate and the puncture site complication rate were 90.4% and 7.7%, respectively. The predictors of DRA failure were low body weight and dual antiplatelet therapy; those of DRA success were PCI and ultrasonography-guided DRA; those of puncture site complications during procedure were low body weight, peripheral arterial disease, dual antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy, and PCI; and that of no puncture site complications were previous PCI and ultrasonography-guided DRA. The negative predictors of DRA success with no puncture site complication during procedure were low body weight and dual antiplatelet therapy. The positive predictor of DRA success with no puncture site complication during procedure was ultrasonography-guided DRA. We identified the predictors of DRA failure and puncture site complications during procedure in patients undergoing CAG and PCI with DRA. Ultrasonography-guided DRA was associated with a high DRA success rate and a low puncture site complication rate in patients undergoing CAG or PCI with DRA.

Evaluation of a new insertion site for arterial pressure line in intensive care unit management: a prospective study.

The arterial pressure line (A-line) is primarily inserted through the radial artery. However, accidental removal due to joint movement can be problematic in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of A-line insertion in the ICU through the distal radial approach (DRA), which is used in cardiac catheterization. This single-center, prospective, comparative study included 200 patients (≥ 20 years) who were brought to our hospital for emergency care and required A-line insertion. Patients were quasi-randomized to the traditional radial approach (TRA) or DRA. Data were recorded at the time of A-line insertion, administration, and removal. We evaluated the vessel diameter, number of punctures, success of the procedure, presence of complications, such as infection during management, and time taken for hemostasis after catheter removal. The primary endpoint was the accidental removal rate. Due to incomplete information, data were collected for 193 patients (96 TRA and 97 DRA). Successful procedures were observed in 95 of the 96 patients with TRA and 94 of the 97 patients with DRA. Guidewire use during insertion was significantly more common in the DRA group (P < 0.01) and post-puncture splint fixation was significantly more common in the TRA group (P < 0.01). Accidental removal, the primary endpoint, was observed in 10 patients with TRAs and 11 patients with DRAs, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.99). DRA is as safe and effective as the TRA, suggesting that it is useful as a new A-line insertion site.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Presenting during On- and Off-Hours: Is There a Difference in a Tertiary Cardiovascular Center?

Background and Objectives: ACS presents an acute manifestation of coronary artery disease and its treatment is based on timely interventional diagnostics and PCI. It has been known that the treatment and the outcomes are not the same for all the patients with ACS during the working day, depending on the availability of the procedures and staff. The aim of the study was to explore the differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients admitted for ACS during on- and off-hours. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included 1873 consecutive ACS patients admitted to a tertiary, university hospital that underwent coronary angiography and intervention. On-hours were defined from Monday to Friday from 07:30 h to 14:30 h, while the rest was considered off-hours. Results: There were more males in the off-hours group (on-hours 475 (56%) vs. off-hours 635 (62%); p = 0.011), while previous MI was more frequent in the on-hours group (on 250 (30%) vs. off 148 (14%); p < 0.001). NSTEMI was more frequent during on-hours (on 164 (19%) vs. off 55 (5%); p < 0.001), while STEMI was more frequent during off-hours (on 585 (69%) vs. off 952 (93%); p < 0.001). Patients admitted during on-hours had more multivessel disease (MVD) (on 485 (57%) vs. off 489 (48%); p = 0.006), as well as multivessel PCI (on 187 (22%) vs. off 171 (16%); p = 0.002), while radial access was preferred in off-hours patients (on 692 (82%) vs. off 883 (86%); p = 0.004). Left main PCI was performed with similar frequency in both groups (on 37 (4%) vs. off 35 (3%); p = 0.203). Death occurred with similar frequency in both groups (on 17 (2.0%) vs. off 26 (2.54%); p = 0.404), while major adverse cardio-cerebral events (MACCEs) were more frequent in the on-hours group (on 105 (12.4%) vs. off 70 (6.8%); p = 0.039) probably due to the more frequent repeated PCI (on 49 (5.8%) vs. off 27 (2.6%); p = 0.035). Conclusions: Patients admitted for ACS during working hours in a tertiary hospital present with more complex CAD, have more demanding interventions, and experience more MACCEs during follow-up mostly due to myocardial infarctions and repeated procedures.

Right transradial coronary angiography in the setting of tortuous brachiocephalic/thoracic aorta ("elephant head"): Impact on fluoroscopy time and contrast use.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the impact on fluoroscopy time and contrast use in patients with tortuous brachiocephalic/thoracic aortas undergoing right transradial coronary angiography (RTCA) and provide strategies to manage. BACKGROUND: Unfavorable anatomy with severe brachiocephalic/thoracic tortuosity, referred to as an "elephant head," remains a significant obstacle for RTCA. METHODS: We reviewed the coronary angiograms of patients who underwent RTCA and had tortuous aortas. Angiography was attempted first using a universal catheter (Tiger) and switched to a left coronary specific catheter (Judkins Left [JL]) if challenging. Fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, and greatest distance from the patient's midline to the catheter in the aorta were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (62.6 ± 12.0 years, 69.4% male) were included. Fifteen (30.6%) patients underwent successful angiography with a Tiger catheter; 34 (69.4%) patients required switching to JL catheter. The average distance of Tiger catheters to the midline of the spine was 0.78 ± 0.41 cm versus 1.28 ± 0.44 cm (p = .001) in JL catheters. Tiger catheter use resulted in less fluoroscopy time (6.48 ± 4.73 min) and contrast use (58.87 ± 43.53 ml) than in cases switched to JL (13.26 ± 10.76 min [p = .026]; 86.5 ± 69.95 ml [(p = .017]). CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing RTCA with significant brachiocephalic/thoracic aorta tortuosity, "elephant head," a Tiger catheter can be used efficiently for curvatures <1 cm from the middle of the spine. We propose that for curvatures >1 cm, operators should consider immediately switching to a JL catheter.

[A new approach in coronary interventional cardiology: the distal radial approach]. / Une nouvelle voie d'abord en cardiologie interventionnelle coronaire : l'abord radial distal.

The conventional radial approach has become the access route of choice for performing diagnostic or therapeutic coronary angiography. It has taken precedence over the femoral approach, which is subject to a higher rate of vascular and hemorrhagic complications. The distal radial approach is currently considered a further refinement of the conventional radial approach. It offers the advantage of potentially reducing local vascular complications (spasm, thrombosis of the radial artery), of allowing rapid mobilization of the wrist (hemostatic band against the scaphoid), of reducing the duration of hemostasis, and of preserving the proximal radial artery for future procedures such as arteriovenous bypasses or shunts. The use of the left distal radial access also makes it possible to avoid the restriction of the movements of the right hand after the catheterization, to improve the comfort of the operator during the procedure and to reduce exposure to radiations, as well as to offer the possibility of performing angiography in patients who have already undergone bypass surgery with the left internal mammary artery graft (LIMA).

L'approche radiale conventionnelle est devenue la voie d'accès de choix pour la réalisation d'une coronarographie diagnostique ou thérapeutique. Elle a pris le pas sur la voie fémorale sujette à un taux de complications vasculaires et hémorragiques plus important. L'approche radiale distale est actuellement considérée comme un raffinement supplémentaire de l'accès radial conventionnel. Elle offre l'avantage de potentiellement diminuer les complications vasculaires locales (spasme, thrombose de l'artère radiale), de permettre une mobilisation rapide du poignet (bande hémostatique contre le scaphoïde), de réduire la durée de l'hémostase, et de conserver l'artère radiale proximale pour des procédures futures telles que des pontages ou des shunts artério-veineux. L'utilisation de l'accès radial distal gauche permet, en plus, d'éviter la restriction des mouvements de la main droite après le cathétérisme (avantage appréciable chez les droitiers), d'améliorer le confort de l'opérateur pendant la procédure tout en réduisant son exposition aux radiations, et d'offrir la possibilité d'effectuer une angiographie chez les patients ayant déjà subi un pontage avec greffe de l'artère mammaire interne gaughe (AMIG).

[Transradial approach in neuroendovascular procedures]. / Analiz primeneniya transradial'nogo vnutrisosudistogo dostupa v neirokhirurgicheskoi praktike.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and feasibility of transradial approach for neuroendovascular procedures and to familiarize neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists with the capabilities and limitations of this approach, as well as technical features influencing its effectiveness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 270 patients who underwent transradial neuroendovascular procedures between January 2015 and December 2019. Diagnostic and surgical interventions were performed in 203 (75.2%) and 67 (24.8%) patients, respectively. The authors comprehensively describe catheterization technique and choosing the instrument for effective and safe transradial access. RESULTS: The right vertebral and both common carotid arteries were the most accessible for selective catheterization (100% of cases). The left common carotid artery was catheterized in all cases, the left internal carotid artery - only in 92% of cases. If catheterization of the left vertebral artery was necessary, we used the left-sided radial approach. Conversion to femoral approach was required in 2.6% of cases for the left internal carotid artery disease (n=7). Radial artery occlusion occurred in 3.7% of cases (n=10) and was asymptomatic in all cases. We present a video clip (https://youtu.be/3wZ6O8u-lpk) devoted to various surgical interventions through radial approach. CONCLUSION: Radial approach is safe and feasible and may be used for neuroendovascular procedures.

Finding the optimal access for proximal upper limb artery (PULA) interventions: Lessons learned from the PULA multicenter registry.

OBJECTIVE: The multicenter proximal upper limb artery (PULA) Registry was created to study the optimal puncture sites for the interventions involving the subclavian, axillary, and innominate arteries. BACKGROUND: Little is known about the optimal vascular access for PULA interventions, despite the well-known technical complexity of these procedures. METHODS: We performed the retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated for symptomatic steno-occlusive disease of the proximal upper limb arteries between January 2015 and December 2019 in three high-volume centers. Acute thrombotic occlusions were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-two patients were treated for significant stenosis and 108 for total occlusion. The baseline patient's characteristics were similar, except for the higher median age of the stenotic patients: 68.5 years (31.1; 90.0) versus 64 years (38.0; 86.0) p = 0.0015. Successful revascularization rate was higher in the stenotic group 93.75% (255/272) versus 86.11% (93/108) p = 0.0230, while the procedure length 27 min (8; 133) versus 46 min (7; 140) p = 0.0001 and fluoroscopy times 439 s (92; 2993) versus 864 s (86; 4176) p = 0.0001 were higher in the occlusion group. The main adverse event rate was similarly low. Dual access was used more often to treat occlusions (60.19% (65/108) vs. 11.40% (31/272) p = 0.0001) without significantly increasing the complication rate. The safest access was ultrasound-guided distal radial artery puncture, significantly better than conventional radial access with 0% (0/31) versus 13.6% (18/131) p = 0.0253 complication. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous revascularization of proximal upper limb arteries is a safe and effective. Dual access can be applied to increase treatment efficacy, without significantly compromising safety.

A less-invasive totally-endovascular (LITE) technique for trans-femoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and report the results of an original technique for trans-femoral (TF) transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement (TAVR). BACKGROUND: TF approach represents the commonest TAVR technique. The best technique for TF-TAVR is not recognized. METHODS: We developed a less-invasive totally-endovascular (LITE) technique for TF-TAVR. The key aspects are: precise TAVR access puncture using angiographic-guidewire-ultrasound guidance radial approach as the "secondary access" (to guide valve positioning, to check femoral-access hemostasis and to manage eventual access-site complications) non-invasive pacing (by retrograde left ventricle stimulation or by definitive pace-maker external programmer) The LITE technique has been systematically adopted at our Institution. Procedure details, complications and clinical events occurring during hospitalization were prospectively recorded. Major vascular complications and life-threatening or major bleedings were the primary study end-points. RESULTS: A total of 153 consecutive patients referred for TF-TAVR were approached using the LITE technique. Mean predicted surgical operative mortality was 4.9% and mean TAVR predicted mortality was 3.9%. In 132 (86.3%) patients, TAVR was completed without the need for additional femoral artery access or transvenous temporary pace-maker implantation. Major vascular complications occurred in 2 (1.3%), life-threatening or major bleedings occurred in 4 (2.6%) patients. All-cause death occurred in 3 patients (2.0%). CONCLUSIONS: TF-TAVR according to LITE technique is feasible and is associated with very low rates of vascular or bleeding complications.

Post-procedural radial artery occlusion and patency detection using duplex ultrasound vs. the reverse Barbeau test.

The transradial approach is recommended as a first choice in coronary catheterizations and interventions, for among other reasons, the reduction in the number of local complications. A head-to-head comparison of the reverse Barbeau test (RBT) and duplex ultrasonography (DUSG) for the detection of post-procedural radial artery patency and occlusion has not yet been evaluated. In 500 patients from our same-day discharge program (age 65 ± 9.4 years, 148 women), radial artery patency and occlusion, compression time, haematomas, and other local complications were evaluated. Radial artery patency was confirmed in 495 patients (99.0%), and complete radial artery occlusion (RAO) was detected in 2 (0.4%) patients using both methods. In 3 patients (0.6%), the RBT was negative, while incomplete RAO was detected by DUSG. Superficial haematomas (˃ 5 but ≤10 cm) were found in 27 (5.4%) patients. There were no other local complications. Detection of radial artery patency and occlusion using the RBT and DUSG was comparable. The incidence of RAO in our study was extremely low. Thanks to its simplicity, the RBT has the potential to be used as the first method of detection of radial occlusion after coronary catheterizations.

Importance of measurement of the diameter of the distal radial artery in a distal radial approach from the anatomical snuffbox before coronary catheterization.

Coronary catheterization by a distal radial approach at the site of the anatomical snuffbox has recently been reported to be both safe and useful. No data are available on the diameter of the distal radial artery (DRA) in Japan, and it is unclear whether the DRA is large enough to withstand the insertion of a conventional sheath by a traditional radial approach. We enrolled 142 patients who underwent coronary catheterization and evaluated the vessel diameter of the DRA using ultrasound. The vessel diameter of the DRA in the anatomical snuffbox (2.6 ± 0.5 mm) was significantly smaller than that of the proximal radial artery (PRA) at the conventional puncture site (3.1 ± 0.4 mm). The difference in vessel diameter between the DRA and PRA was 0.5 ± 0.4 mm, and the DRA/PRA ratio was 0.8 ± 0.1. Although the vessel diameter of the DRA was positively correlated with that of the PRA (r = 0.66, p < 0.0001), in some cases the DRA was extremely small compared to the PRA. When the vessel diameter of the DRA is smaller than the outer diameter of the sheath scheduled for use, we should puncture the PRA at the outset. We could perform coronary catheterization by a distal radial approach without major bleeding or adverse events, and there was no radial artery occlusion at the site of the anatomical snuffbox or the forearm. For coronary catheterization by a distal radial approach, we should evaluate whether there is sufficient vessel diameter using ultrasound before the procedure. In addition, this approach can be an effective option from the viewpoint of radial artery preservation.

Trans-radial percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with severe chronic renal insufficiency and/or on dialysis.

Periprocedural bleeding is associated with an increased risk of mortality during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), especially in patients with severe chronic renal insufficiency. Therefore, trans-radial intervention (TRI) should be considered in these patients; however, PCI operators usually avoid this approach because of the risk of radial artery occlusion. We aimed to investigate the associations of TRI and in-hospital complications in these patients. This study included 306 consecutive patients with severe chronic renal insufficiency and/or on dialysis who underwent PCI. Patients were prospectively enrolled and divided according to the access site into TRI group and trans-femoral intervention group. Severe renal insufficiency was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Radial access was limited to the opposite side of the arteriovenous fistula in patients on hemodialysis. The primary study endpoint was the composite of in-hospital bleeding complications and death. TRI benefit was evaluated by inverse probability treatment weighted analysis. TRI was performed in 112 (37.3%) patients. TRI group included older patients with significantly lower rates of diabetes mellitus, dialysis, and three-vessel disease. Crossover to the other approach occurred only in TRI group (2.6%). The primary endpoint was significantly lower in TRI group (11.5% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.006). After an inverse probability treatment weighted analysis, TRI was an independent prognostic factor for a decrease in the primary endpoint (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.051-0.73; P = 0.015). Radial artery occlusion occurred in three patients on dialysis (9.1%). TRI may determine better in-hospital outcomes in patients with severe chronic renal insufficiency and/or on dialysis.

Heparin use for diagnostic cardiac catheterization with a radial artery approach: An international survey of practice patterns.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe global practice patterns of unfractionated heparin (UFH) use for diagnostic transradial cardiac catheterization. BACKGROUND: The use of the radial artery approach for cardiac catheterization is increasing globally. Limited contemporary data exist to support the use or optimal dosing of UFH to prevent radial artery occlusion (RAO) and other thromboembolic complications. METHODS: We performed a web-based international survey of 450 interventional cardiologists from 34 countries. We collected information regarding the experience and use of UFH for diagnostic transradial cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: The survey was conducted between June and July 2016 and was completed by 227 (50.4%) interventional cardiologists. Overall, 83.3% performed >75% of their coronary angiograms via a radial approach, with the plurality (41.9%) having 10-20 years of clinical experience. Of all respondents, 7.5% did not use UFH for routine diagnostic transradial heart catheterization. Of the 92.5% who did use UFH, it was preferentially administered intra-arterially by 60% and intravenously by 40%. The majority (62.6%) of interventionalists used a fixed UFH dose with 5,000 IU being the most common dose (used in 48%). For those using a weight-based UFH (50 IU/kg) dosing regimen for diagnostic procedures (36.1%), the administered UFH dose ranged from 2,000 up to 10,000 IU. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of firm evidence, the majority of interventional cardiologists who participated in the survey use UFH to prevent RAO for diagnostic transradial coronary angiography. However, there exist large practice disparities with regards to dose and route of administration. Given this knowledge gap, a dedicated randomized trial is warranted.

Comparison of right and left trans-radial catheterization for coronary angiography and intervention in patients with Acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical characteristics between the right and left radial approach in treating acute myocardial infarction, helping physicians make treatment strategies correctly. METHODS: The patients admitted at our institution and undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography and interventional procedures by left or right radial approach between November 2013 and July 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The access time, compression time, ambulation time, the amount of contrast material used, fluoroscopy time, interventional procedural time, the number of catheters used, the percentage of procedures completed using the assigned approach and the major vascular complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in access time, compression time, the amount of contrast material used, number of catheters used as well as the time to ambulation between the two groups (p>0.05), but the fluoroscopy time and interventional procedural time were significantly longer in right radial approach group than those in left radial approach group (p<0.05). The left radial approach group presented with a higher percentage of procedures completed using the assigned approach than that of right radial approach group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The left radial approach has more advantages than right radial approach in treating acute myocardial infarction.

[Radial Approach for Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease: Advantages and Disadvantages, Complications Rate in Comparison With Femoral Approach].

During recent 10-15 years, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) have reached a new level of efficacy and safety. Rate of serious coronary complications has decreased. That to a greater degree exposes the problem of peripheral complications at the site of arterial approach. At the same time portion of patients older than 75 years in the total pool of PCI constantly increases. Number of patients with pronounced obesity also grows each year. Radial approach for PCI allows to substantially decrease rate of peripheral complications at the account of lowered rate of bleedings, and to shorten duration of hospitalization. In this literature review we present results of a number of relevant clinical studies including those which contained groups of elderly patients and of patients with obesity. We also have summarized main advantages and disadvantages of radial approach as compared with femoral approach for coronary angiography and PCI.

Transradial and transulnar access for iliac artery interventions using sheathless guiding systems: A feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate the acute success and complication rates of the transradial and transulnar access for iliac artery stenting using sheathless guiding systems. METHODS: Clinical and angiographic data from 156 consecutive patients with symptomatic iliac artery stenosis who were treated with transradial or transulnar access were evaluated. All patients underwent Duplex ultrasound before and after the intervention. The primary endpoints were the procedural success rate, major adverse events, and access site complication rates. The secondary endpoints were the angiographic result of the iliac artery intervention, fluoroscopy time, X-ray dose, procedure length, crossover rate to another puncture site and hospitalization duration. The impact of the learning curve was also investigated, along with right or left radial access. RESULTS: The indication for the intervention was intermittent claudication in 109 patients (69.9%), critical limb ischemia in 44 (28.2%) subjects and acute limb ischemia in three individuals (1.9%). Technical success was achieved in 155 patients (99.4%), with a crossover rate of 3.8%. Radial and ulnar artery access was used in 151 (96.8%) and 7 (4.5%) patients, respectively. The Ankle-brachial index increased from 0.69 [0.65-0.72] to 0.91 [0.88-0.95] as a result of the procedures (P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of major adverse events was 3.8% at the 2-month follow-up (0% in patients with intermittent claudication and 13.8% in patients with critical limb ischemia). Radial artery access site complications were encountered in eight patients (5.1%). We documented decreased X-ray doses (1742.0 [783.9-2701] vs. 1435 [991.1-1879] vs. 692.8 [275.3-1110] Gy cm-2 P < 0.05) over time; however, the fluoroscopy time, procedure time, and contrast consumption were not significantly different. Left hand access was not associated with significantly better results than right radial artery access. CONCLUSIONS: Iliac artery stenting can be safely and effectively performed using radial or ulnar artery access and sheathless guiding catheters, with acceptable complication rates and high levels of technical success. The physician learning curve plays an important role in decreasing the X-ray dose. © 2016 The Authors. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clinical Perspectives and Pearls from the 2015 ESC NSTE-ACS Guidelines.

Four years after the latest edition, the 2015 non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology have been published. Novel aspects include a new diagnostic algorithm for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction using high-sensitivity cardiac troponins as well as guidance on cardiac rhythm monitoring duration. A large section is dedicated to antiplatelet therapy including initiation and duration of dual-antiplatelet therapy as well as the management of patients requiring, at the same time, long-term oral anticoagulation. New sections include the management of antiplatelet agent in patients requiring coronary artery bypass surgery and of acute bleeding events related to antiplatelet agents, vitamin K antagonist (VKA), and non-VKA oral anticoagulant drugs. Current evidence supports the radial access over the femoral one for coronary angiography and percutaneous revascularization.

An avulsed radial artery with a high take-off.

A 63-year-old female was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, who underwent a diagnostic coronary angiography via transradial approach prior an aortic-valve replacement. After imaging the left coronary system, entrapment of the diagnostic catheter was encountered as a result of spasm of the radial artery. An arteriogram of the arm revealed an anatomical variation in the radial artery (high take-off). Several attempts to remove the entrapped catheter resulted in avulsion of the artery, which was managed successfully with coil embolization. To our knowledge, no such complication has been reported.