Multicentre, prospective, randomized trial of 4 vs. 6 French catheters in 410 patients undergoing coronary angiography

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of angiograms obtained usin g 4 Fr catheters compared with 6 Fr catheters, the ease of use of the 4 Fr catheters, and the safety of patient mobilization 1 hr following 4 Fr angio graphy. Details of catheter performance and procedural details were recorde d at the time of the angiogram. The angiographic images were scored on the quality and completeness of vessel opacification throughout systole and dia stole. A total of 410 patients were recruited. There was no difference betw een 4 and 6 Fr for procedural variables. All angiograms were considered to be of diagnostic quality. The angiographic scores for the right coronary ar tery and left ventricular injections were no different between 4 and 6 Fr. However, the angiographic scores for the left anterior descending and circu mflex arteries were lower with 4 than with 6 Fr (both P < 0.05). Patients w ho had 4 Fr angiography mobilized safely at I hr and reported significantly less discomfort and bruising than 6 Fr patients. Good-quality diagnostic c oronary anglograms can be achieved using 4 Fr catheters with the advantage of earlier postprocedural mobilization and reduced discomfort and bruising for the patient. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.