title: Safety and feasibility of transulnar catheterization when ipsilateral radial access is not available.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the safety and feasibility of transulnar approach when ipsilateral radial access was not available.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From March 2011 until February 2013, 476 consecutive patients who underwent transulnar catheterization were included in a single center prospective registry of effectiveness and safety. Diagnostic coronary angiography accounted for 42% of cases, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for 38%, and 17% underwent carotid artery stenting. A subgroup analysis was done in 240 patients with documented ipsilateral radial artery occlusion (RAO). Procedural success was 97% with a crossover rate of 3% to transfemoral access. Hand ischemia was not observed in any patient on day 1 after procedure and on 1 month follow-up. None of the patients showed ulnar nerve injury. Two patients developed major forearm hematoma that resolved without clinical consequences. Minor access site hematoma occurred in 8%. Severe clinical spasm occurred in two patients. Asymptomatic ulnar artery occlusion at 1 month follow-up was detected in 3.1%. There was no difference between patients with or without RAO in terms of procedural success and any vascular complication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transulnar approach is safe and feasible alternative wrist access when performed by experienced radial operators, providing high success rate and low incidence of vascular complications.
authors.affiliation: University Clinic of Cardiology, Medical Faculty, University of St.Cyril & Methodius, Skopje, Macedonia.
authors.forename: Sasko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kedev
authors.forename: Biljana
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zafirovska
authors.forename: Surya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dharma
authors.forename: Danica
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Petkoska
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017534:Radial Artery; D012042:Registries; D018843:Republic of North Macedonia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017535:Ulnar Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D057772:Vascular System Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*
keywords: carotid artery stenting; percutaneous coronary intervention; radial artery occlusion; transradial approach; transulnar approach