Safety and efficacy of repeat transradial access for cardiac catheterization procedures

To determine the safety and efficacy of repeat transradial cardiac catheter ization, 1,362 consecutive transradial procedures were examined. Repeat tra nsradial procedures were identified (group I, n = 73) and compared with ind ex procedures (group II, n = 1,289). Baseline patient characteristics, proc edure success rates (100% vs. 97.9%; P = NS), complication rates (0% vs. 0. 08%; P = NS), and procedure times (23.9 +/- 27.3 min vs. 18.2 +/- 14.7 min; P = NS) were similar between groups. This study suggests that repeat trans radial catheterization procedures can be performed safely and successfully in appropriately selected patients. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.