THE ROLE OF TRANSRADIAL DIAGNOSTIC ANGIOGRAPHY

Purpose: To evaluate the use of 4 Fr radial artery catheters as an alt ernative to both transbrachial and transfemoral approaches. Methods: S eventy examinations were performed via the transradial route using 4 F r 130-cm-long pigtail catheters. Prior to puncture the radial artery w as assessed with pulse oximetry to ensure that it did not contribute t he dominant blood supply to the hand. Patients were reassessed for com plications within 24 hr of the procedure. Results: Acceptable images w ere obtained in femoral arteriography, arch aortography, and selective carotid studies. In three of six renal arteriograms, images were subo ptimal. There was a total technical failure rate of 5.7%. Significant complications were encountered in 4.3%, but no hand ischemia occurred. Conclusion: The transradial route for arteriography is easy to learn and has a low complication rate. It is a reasonable alternative approa ch to transfemoral arteriography for true outpatient peripheral angiog raphy and in cases where the transfemoral route is not feasible, thoug h it did not prove satisfactory for renal arteriography in hypertensiv e patients.