PTCA using the right radial artery access site.

UNLABELLED: In order to evaluate the right radial artery approach (RRA) in PTCA, our first 50 patients (pts) who had undergone PTCA from this access site were evaluated. Seventy-eight percent of pts were male, 68% had unstable angina or recent MI. Seventy-seven lesions were dilated (31 type A, 32 type B, 13 type C). Access time was 4.3 +/- 2.4 minutes (min). Six French Voda and multipurpose guide catheters were primarily utilized (mean 1.2 guides/case). Several different balloon types were used satisfactorily (mean 1.5 balloons/case). Sheaths were pulled 3.4 +/- 1.2 hours post-procedure when ACT was less than 200 seconds. Compression time was 24.8 +/- 11 and heparin was immediately resumed. No access site complications occurred. Results were compared to a cohort of 100 pts who had undergone PTCA from the right femoral artery approach (RFA). PTCA time, fluoroscopy time, contrast utilized, primary success rate, emergency bypass and cath lab charges were the same in both groups. Access site complications were significantly less in the right radial group (0 RRA vs. 4 RFA, p < .02). Post PTCA length of stay (1.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.4 +/- 0.6, p < .05) and total hospital length of stay (3.7 +/- 0.5 vs. 5.2 +/- 0.6, p < .05) were significantly less in the radial group. As a result of the shorter hospital stay, total hospital charge was less in the radial group (14,730 +/- 882 vs. 17,461 +/- 908, p < .05). CONCLUSION: Results of PTCA performed from RRA are similar to those from RFA with a significant reduction in access site complications.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)