Management of Coronary Restenosis via the Radial Artery: An Elegant Approach to the AchillesÕ Heel of PTCA.
In spite of many efforts, the most effective treatment for restenosis after coronary angioplasty remains repeat angioplasty. Although the second procedure is known to be at lower risk, it is usually performed by the same technique, thus requiring hospitalization. In such a group of patients, the feasibility of using the radial route for repeat coronary angiography and angioplasty when needed and the safety of early discharge were evaluated prospectively. Coronary angiography via the radial artery was attempted in 51 patients referred within 6 months of initial coronary angioplasty with the clinical suspicion of restenosis. Successful cannulation of the radial artery was possible in 48 (94%). Following placement of a 4 Fr arterial sheath, coronary angiography was completed successfully in all but one patient. Restenosis was confirmed angiographically in 25 patients (one via the femoral route) and a new lesion was observed in 3. Repeat angioplasty was attempted via the radial route (25 patients) or via the femoral route (one patient) using a fixed-wire balloon catheter through the 4 Fr diagnostic catheter (n=22). Angioplasty via the radial route including elective stent implantation (5 patients) was a technical success in 92% of the patients. Immediate arterial sheath withdrawal and mechanical compression of the radial artery provided satisfactory hemostasis after 186 +/- 126 minutes. The radial pulse was absent post-procedure without clinical consequence in 3 patients (6%). Of the 46 patients without a femoral artery puncture, 39 (85%) were discharged the same day without any cardiac or local complications. Thus, early discharge after repeat coronary angiography and angioplasty for restenosis is feasible and safe using the transradial route in the majority of patients.
Chatelain
P
Cardiology Center, University Hospital Geneva, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
Keighley
C
Urban
P
Morandini
E
Verin
V
Rombaut
E
Arceo
A