title: Rationale and design of the ARCUS: Effects of trAnsRadial perCUtaneouS coronary intervention on upper extremity function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to provide a complete insight in the access-site morbidity and upper extremity function after Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (TR-PCI).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In percutaneous coronary intervention the Transradial Approach (TRA) is gaining popularity as a default technique. It is a very promising technique with respect to post-procedure complications, but the exact effects of TRA on upper extremity function are unknown.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The effects of trAnsRadial perCUtaneouS coronary intervention on upper extremity function (ARCUS) trial is a multicenter prospective cohort study that will be conducted in all patients admitted for TR-PCI. Clinical outcomes will be monitored during a follow-up of 6 months, with its primary endpoint at two weeks of follow-up. To investigate the complete upper extremity function, a combination of physical examinations and validated questionnaires will be used to provide information on anatomical integrity, strength, range of motion (ROM), coordination, sensibility, pain, and functioning in everyday life. Procedural and material specifications will be registered in order to include all possible aspects influencing upper extremity function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results from this study will elucidate the effect of TR-PCI on upper extremity function. This creates the opportunity to further optimize TR-PCI, to make improvements in functional outcome and to prevent morbidity regarding full upper extremity function. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Eva M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Zwaan
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Alexander J J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: IJsselmuiden
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Joost
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van Rosmalen
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Robert-Jan M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: van Geuns
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Amoroso
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moerman
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marco J P F
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ritt
authors.affiliation: Hand & Pols center, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ton A R
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Schreuders
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marcel J M
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kofflard
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Carlo A J
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Holtzer
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009426:Netherlands; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011677:Punctures; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012107:Research Design; D015607:Stents; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: percutaneous coronary intervention; transradial; upper extremity dysfunction