Radial artery occlusion and hand strength after percutaneous coronary procedures: Results of the HANGAR study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate muscle force of the hand, thumb, and forefinger in patients with prolonged radial occlusion after transradial percutaneous coronary procedures.


BACKGROUND
There are no data on hand strength and function in patients with prolonged radial occlusion after percutaneous coronary procedures.


METHODS
Elective patients with chronic stable angina undergoing percutaneous coronary procedures were evaluated the day before the procedure for radial artery patency, Allen test, hand grip, and thumb and forefinger pinch tests. The same measures were performed the day after the procedure and at follow-up. At follow-up, patients were divided in two groups according to the radial patency (group 1) or occlusion (group 2).


RESULTS
Of the 99 patients included in the study, 90 patients had a patent radial artery (group 1), and nine (9.1%) patients had an occluded artery (group 2). At baseline, there were no significant differences in hand grip test between the two groups (42 ± 11 kg in group 1 and 41 ± 17 kg in group 2, P = 0.74). In both groups, after the procedure, the hand grip test values was significantly reduced compared with baseline values (40 ± 11 kg in group 1, P < 0.0001 and 37 ± 17 kg in group 2, P = 0.007). Finally, at follow-up, in both groups, the hand grip test values returned to baseline values. Thumb and forefinger pinch tests did not show significant differences after the procedure and at follow-up, compared with baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
Radial artery occlusion after percutaneous coronary procedures was not associated with a reduction in hand and finger strength.
Interventional Cardiology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Alessandro
A
Sciahbasi
Interventional Cardiology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Stefano
S
Rigattieri
HSE Management, Rome, Italy.
Alessandro
A
Sarandrea
Interventional Cardiology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Maria
M
Cera
Interventional Cardiology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Cristian
C
Di Russo
Interventional Cardiology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Silvio
S
Fedele
Department of Cardiology, University of L'aquila, L'aquila, Italy.
Silvio
S
Romano
Department of Cardiology, University of L'aquila, L'aquila, Italy.
Maria
M
Penco
Emergency Department, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Francesco
F
Rocco Pugliese
D000368:Aged; D060050:Angina, Stable / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply*; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011677:Punctures; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014654:Vascular Patency
Allen test; coronary angiography; hand grip; radial occlusion; transradial approach