Radial artery occlusion after cardiac catheterization and impact of medical treatment

Incidence and predictors of radial artery occlusion following transradial coronary angiography: the proRadial trial

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the contemporary incidence and predictors of radial artery occlusion as well as the effectiveness of antithrombotic treatment for radial artery occlusion following transradial coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND

The radial artery is the standard access for coronary angiography and even complex interventions. Postprocedural radial artery occlusion is still a common and significant complication.

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled 2004 patients following transradial coronary angiography. After sheath removal, hemostasis was obtained in a standardized fashion. Radial artery patency was evaluated by duplex ultrasonography in all patients. In case of occlusion, oral anticoagulation was recommended and patients were scheduled for a 30-day follow-up including Doppler ultrasonography.

RESULTS

A new-diagnosed radial occlusion was found in 4.6% of patients. The strongest independent predictors of radial occlusion were female sex and active smoking status. In the subgroup of patients with percutaneous coronary interventions, female sex followed by sheath size > 6 French were the strongest predictors of radial occlusion. 76 of 93 patients with radial occlusion received an oral anticoagulation for 30 days. However, reperfusion at 30 days was found in 32% of patients on oral anticoagulation.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of radial artery occlusion following coronary angiography in contemporary practice appears with 4.6% to be lower as compared to previous cohorts. Female sex and smoking status are the strongest independent predictors of radial occlusion followed by procedural variables. The limited effectiveness of oral anticoagulation for treatment of radial artery occlusion suggests a primarily traumatic than thrombotic mechanism of this complication.

Preventing and Managing Radial Artery Occlusion following Transradial Procedures: Strategies and Considerations

Τransradial artery access has recently gained widespread acceptance as the preferred approach for coronary angiography and interventions, due to its lower incidence of bleeding and vascular complications compared to transfemoral access. However, thrombotic occlusion of the radial artery has emerged as the most common complication of this method, impeding its use in future interventions, and in the creation of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis patients, or as a graft for coronary artery bypasses grafting. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the anatomy of the radial artery, the pathophysiology and diagnosis of radial artery occlusion, the identification of potential risk factors and, finally, prevention and treatment strategies. We acknowledge that distal transradial access provides an effective alternative for coronary angiography and catheterizations, with a reduced incidence of radial artery occlusion.