Abstract
Objectives:
Our aim was to report our preliminary experience performing complex transradial interventions using a sheathless technique with standard large bore nonhydrophilic guiding catheters.
Background:
A major limitation of transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the inability to use large guides because of the relatively small size of the radial artery.
Methods:
We identified consecutive patients who had transradial PCI between September 2009 and March 2010 using largeβbore guides (7 or 8 Fr) with a sheathless technique.
Results:
Ten patients were identified (90% men, mean age 68.8 Β± 9.8 years). Indications for PCI were stable angina (60%) and acute coronary syndrome (40%). Treatment was attempted on 15 vessels. Bifurcation lesions were present in six patients. One patient had a chronic total occlusion, one had a saphenous vein bypass graft lesion requiring filter wire placement prior to intervention, and one patient required rotational atherectomy. In the majority of patients (60%) a 7βFr guiding catheter was used for the intervention; 8βFr guide catheters were used four patients. PCI was unsuccessful in one vessel; this was a completely occluded obtuse marginal which could not be crossed. There were no radial artery access site complications and in no case was crossβover to a femoral artery access site required. One minor coronary complication occurred.
Conclusions:
Sheathless transradial PCI using standard largeβbore guiding catheters is a safe and effective method for treatment of complex lesions. Β© 2010 WileyβLiss, Inc.