Distal Trans-Radial Approach for Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Interventions - Single-Centre Experience

Right distal transracial approach in the anatomical snuff box could reduce the probability of radial artery occlusion. Also, that approach allows a more comfortable hand position, especially in obese patients. We prospectively evaluated right distal transracial approach (DTRA) in patients treated trans-radially. Materials and methods: Prospective, observational, single centre study. Various relevant objectives were assessed, for example radial artery occlusion in the evaluated patients at discharge by ultrasonography, procedural success, time of scopy and time required for haemostasis. 57 eligible patients were included in the study. The mean age was 63 years, 63% men, and PCI was performed in 37% of patients. In all patients we used 6Fr radial sheaths, standard catheters and TR-band with verification after one hour, then within 30-minute intervals. Results: Procedural success was 89.5%, no patients had radial artery occlusion, two patients had a local hematoma remitted later, the medium time required for hemostasis was 83.5 minutes, no patients suffered ischaemia or any effect in right hand’s functions. Conclusion: Distal radial puncture seems feasible, safe and can be considered routinely.