Abstract 130: Do Demographic Differences Persist in a Large Radial Artery Access Center for Cardiac Catheterization?

Background: Though cardiac catheterization via the radial artery (RA) as compared to the femoral artery (FA) access site is on the rise, most centers perform less than 10% cases via RA based on the National Cardiovascular Data Registry. RA is associated with lower rates of complications; however, in smaller centers it has been reported to be underutilized in women and elderly patients. We investigate what demographic differences exist in a large RA volume center. Methods: A retrospective chart review assessed all cardiac catheterization cases performed at a large tertiary care academic center from 2010-2011 (n=5344). Access site (RA/FA) is defined as the site of successful vascular entry. Case demographics were collected. Results: The RA was utilized in one-fifth of cases. RA patients had the same percentage males and Whites as FA access (Table 1). RA patients were younger, more likely to have commercial insurance, diabetes and hypertension. FA patients had more renal failure. The mean body mass index (BMI) was higher in the RA group. This was driven by a higher likelihood of obese patients (BMI >30) undergoing RA access than FA access. Conclusion: RA access is utilized more often in patients with younger age, diabetes, hypertension and obese BMIs. FA access is used more often in renal failure patients perhaps due to concern about contrast load.