[Coronary angiography with 4 f catheters by the radial: minimally invasive catheterization].
OBJECTIVE
Experience with 4 F catheters in cardiac catheterization is limited. These devices appear to be more suitable for the radial artery approach than conventional 6 F catheters.


METHODS
We analyze our preliminary experience with diagnostic catheterization of the radial artery with 4 F catheters. Angiographic images were evaluated using a predefined scale (1. poor; 2. acceptable; 3. optimal). In a subgroup of patients who underwent coronary angioplasty, the quantitative angiographic data obtained with the 4 F catheter were compared to those obtained with the 6 F guide catheter. In all cases the patients were clinically followed-up at 24 h and 7 days.


RESULTS
Two hundred and six studies performed over a 12-month period were reviewed. In 6 cases (2.9%) the femoral vein had to be used instead and in 4 cases (1.9%) the 4 F catheters were replaced by 6 F catheters. The left coronary angiography was graded as optimal in 83% and as acceptable in 15%. Right coronary artery images were considered optimal in 93% and acceptable in 7%. There was an excellent correlation between the reference diameter obtained by quantitative angiography with the 4 F catheter and values obtained with a 6 F guide catheter (r = 0.92; p < 0.01). No major vascular complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
4 F catheters are appropriate for systematic use in diagnostic procedures using the radial access.
Sanmartín
Marcelo
M
Unidad de Cardiología Intervencionista, Medtec, Hospital Meixoeiro, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain. marcelo.sanmartin.fernandez@sergas.es
Goicolea
Javier
J
Meneses
Daniel
D
Ruiz-Salmerón
Rafael
R
Mantilla
Ramón
R
Claro
Ramón
R
Bravo
Marisol
M
Quintela
Sonsoles
S
Calvo
Francisco
F
D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D017534:Radial Artery