Left internal mammary artery intervention: The left radial approach with anew guide catheter

Coronary intervention involving left internal mammary bypass grafts is an i ncreasingly common challenge for the interventionalist. Although successful in a high percentage of patients, the femoral approach may be technically challenging. The shorter, more direct approach from the left radial artery has potential advantages in these cases. The present study evaluated our ex perience using a new left transradial internal mammary guide catheter. Angi ography alone was successfully performed with the catheter in 40 patients. In an additional 10 patients, internal mammary artery interventional proced ures were performed. Angioplasty alone was performed in five patients. Five patients underwent coronary stenting within the internal mammary artery or native left anterior descending artery. Guide catheter backup was satisfac tory and angioplasty catheters and/or stents could be advanced to the targe t lesion with minimal difficulty. No procedural complications occurred. The left radial artery access site is an excellent approach for left internal mammary intervention.