Randomised comparison of femoral versus radial approach for percutaneous coronary intervention using abciximab in acute myocardial infarction: results of the FARMI trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare bleeding complications and results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between patients treated by radial and femoral approaches for acute myocardial infarction (AMI,) and using abciximab and 5 French guiding-catheters.


METHODS
114 consecutive patients with AMI were prospectively randomised. Exclusion criteria were a history of coronary artery bypass graft, cardiogenic shock, atrioventricular block, and contraindication to abciximab or a negative Allen test. Local haemostasis was achieved by manual compression.


RESULTS
Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Peripheral arterial complication rates and delays to patient ambulation were significantly lower in the radial group than in the femoral group, whereas in-hospital stay was similar between the two groups. A cross over was more often necessary in the radial group than in the femoral group. Coronary angiography duration and fluoroscopy time were significantly longer in the radial group than in the femoral group, whereas PCI duration was similar in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The FARMI trial showed that the radial route lowered peripheral arterial complication rates and allowed earlier ambulation, despite no significant benefit on the duration of hospitalisation.
Brasselet
Camille
C
Department of Cardiology, CHU Robert Debré, Avenue du général Koenig, 51092 Reims Cedex, France. camille.brasselet@wanadoo.fr
Tassan
Sophie
S
Nazeyrollas
Pierre
P
Hamon
Martial
M
Metz
Damien
D
D000077284:Abciximab; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000925:Anticoagulants; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D000077284:Abciximab