Direct stent implantation using a 5F guiding catheter and transradial approach.
OBJECTIVE
To assess stent implantation without previous dilation with a conventional balloon catheter to treat coronary artery obstructions, by using low profile guiding catheters and the transradial approach.


METHODS
The transradial approach is attractive due to the possibility of avoiding the trauma caused by the balloon, its shorter time of performance, reduced exposure to radiation, and the use of lower quantities of contrast medium than those usually required in this type of procedure.


RESULTS
The initial experience of direct stent implantation with low profile guiding catheters and the transradial approach was analyzed in 45 patients, whose mean age was 65 years. All procedures were successful, with no major complications in the in-hospital phase.


CONCLUSIONS
The results obtained with the population studied proved that the transradial approach is safe, effective, and has very few risks of complications.
Coelho
Wilson Miguel Cecim
WM
Instituto de Moléstias Cardiovasculares/IMC, Sociedade Portuguesa de Beneficência, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. wmccoelho@terra.com.br
Jacob
José Luiz Balthazar
JL
Araujo Filho
José Dalmo de
JD
Frederico
Sumaira Faitarone
SF
Cabbaz
Ivone Eduarda Campos
IE
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017534:Radial Artery; D015607:Stents