Frequency of radial artery occlusion after transradial access in patients receiving warfarin therapy and undergoing coronary angiography

Factors Affecting Radial Artery Occlusion After Right Transradial Artery Catheterization for Coronary Intervention and Procedures

Objective

To determine the factors influencing proximal radial artery occlusion (PRAO) right radial artery after coronary intervention.

Methods

This is a single-center prospective observational study. A total of 460 patients were selected to undergo coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the proximal transradial approach (PTRA) or distal transradial approach (DTRA). The 6F sheath tube were received by all patients. Radial artery ultrasound was performed 1 day before procedure and 1-4 days after procedure. Patients were divided into the PRAO group (42 cases) and the non-PRAO group (418 cases). General clinical data and preoperative radial artery ultrasound indexes of the two groups were compared to analyze related factors leading to PRAO.

Results

The total incidence of PRAO was 9.1%, including 3.8% for DTAR and 12.7% for PTRA. The PRAO rate of DTRA was significantly lower than that of PTRA (p < 0.05). Female, low body weight, low body mass index (BMI) and CAG patients were more likely to develop PRAO after procedure (p < 0.05). The internal diameter and cross-sectional area of the distal radial artery and proximal radial artery were smaller in the PRAO group than in the non-PRAO group, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Multifactorial model analysis showed that the puncture approach, radial artery diameter and procedure type were predictive factors of PRAO, and the receiver operating characteristic curve showed a good predictive value.

Conclusion

A larger radial artery diameter and DTRA may reduce the incidence of PRAO. Preoperative radial artery ultrasound can guide the clinical selection of appropriate arterial sheath and puncture approach.

Association of Palmar Arch Collateral Function and Radial Artery Occlusion After Transradial Access

The prevalence and implications of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after transradial catheterization are an intensely discussed topic, resulting in numerous preventive strategies such as adjusted anticoagulation, residual-patency hemostasis, or distal puncture site. The present study aimed at assessing an association of palmar arch, in particular radial artery collateral function and RAO after transradial access (TRA) catheterization. Radial artery collateral function was determined using radial artery pressure signals in the nonobstructed vessel and during brief manual occlusion of the more proximal radial artery. Collateral flow index, the ratio of mean occlusive divided by mean nonocclusive arterial blood pressure, both subtracted by central venous pressure, was determined during manual RAO (radial artery collateral flow index [CFI_rad]). The presence or absence of RAO was determined by Doppler ultrasound at least 3 months after TRA. A total of 630 patients with TRA coronary angiography underwent palmar arch, that is, radial and radial plus ulnar artery collateral function assessment. CFI_rad was equal to 0.808 ± 0.144 (95% confidence interval 0.797 to 0.819). A total of 200 patients underwent Doppler ultrasound examination of their forearm arterial circulation 301 ± 140 days after TRA. Eight (4%) patients showed signs of RAO, 4 of whom (2%) had a complete RAO and 4 (2%) a stenosis above 30%. Patients with RAO showed a higher CFI_rad than those without RAO: 0.900 ± 0.074 versus 0.801 ± 0.154 (p = 0.006). In conclusion, complete RAO as determined by Doppler ultrasound later than 3 months after TRA is rare (2%). In the long run, RAO appears to be related to a very well-developed radial artery collateral function.

Novel oral anticoagulants in the treatment of radial artery occlusion

Transradial access of the vascular system for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention has become the primary approach in several cardiac catheterization laboratories across the world. The paradigm shift from transfemoral access has been driven by improved outcomes in patients undergoing these cardiac procedures by transradial access. Radial artery occlusion is the most common vascular complication of transradial coronary procedures. Only a few studies have reported on the optimal treatment of radial artery occlusion, with ulnar artery compression and anticoagulation, especially with low-molecular-weight heparin, having shown the best results. In this case series, four patients who were found to have evidence of post-cardiac catheterization radial artery occlusion on ultrasound imaging were treated with a 30-day course of apixaban. Three of the four patients showed complete resolution of radial artery occlusion with addition of apixaban to current standard therapeutic strategies. This case series shows that treatment with novel oral anticoagulants can be an alternative and more convenient option compared to subcutaneous injection of low-molecular heparin for anticoagulation in patients with post-coronary angiography radial artery occlusion.

Patent hemostasis of radial artery: Comparison of two methods

BACKGROUND

Radial artery obstruction is the most common complication of coronary angiography performed via transradial access. Patent hemostasis can significantly reduce the risk of radial artery occlusion. Previous studies utilized sophisticated methods to evaluate radial artery patency. Simplified and easily applicable methods for successful patent hemostasis are currently lacking.

AIM

To determine which method (pulse oximeter vs the traditional radial artery palpation) is better to achieve patent hemostasis.

METHODS

This prospective, single center study included 299 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention between November 2017 and July 2019. Patients less than 18 years old, with a history of radial artery disease, or no palpable artery pulse were excluded from the study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. In the first group, radial artery flow was assessed by palpation of the artery during hemostasis (traditional method). In the second group, radial artery patency was estimated with the use of a pulse oximeter. Two different compression devices were used for hemostasis (air chamber and pressure valve). The primary study endpoint was the achievement of successful patent hemostasis.

RESULTS

The two groups (pulse oximeter vs artery palpation) had no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, risk factors, or comorbidities except for supraventricular arrhythmias. The percentage of patients with successful patent hemostasis was significantly higher in the pulse oximeter group (82.2% vs 68.1%, P = 0.005). A lower percentage of patients with spasm was recorded in the pulse oximeter group (9.9% vs 19.0%, P = 0.024). The incidence of local complications, edema, bleeding, hematoma, vagotonia, or pain did not differ between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis, the use of a pulse oximeter (OR: 2.35, 95%CI: 1.34-4.13, P = 0.003) and advanced age (OR: 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.07, P = 0.006), were independently associated with an increased probability of successful patent hemostasis. The type of hemostatic device did not affect patent hemostasis (P = 0.450).

CONCLUSION

Patent hemostasis with the use of pulse oximeter is a simple, efficient, and safe method that is worthy of further investigation. Larger randomized studies are required to consider its clinical implications.

Manual der Arbeitsgruppe Interventionelle Kardiologie (AGIK) der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie – Herz- und Kreislaufforschung e. V. (DGK)

Dieses Manual zur diagnostischen Herzkatheteruntersuchung (Teil 1) ist eine Anwendungsempfehlung für interventionell tätige Ärzte, die den gegenwärtigen Kenntnisstand unter Berücksichtigung neuester Studienergebnisse wiedergibt. Hierzu wurde in den einzelnen Kapiteln speziell auf die Alltagstauglichkeit der Empfehlungen geachtet, sodass dieses Manual jedem interventionell tätigen Kardiologen als Entscheidungshilfe im Herzkatheterlabor dienen soll. Trotz der von vielen Experten eingebrachten praktischen Hinweise kann dieses Manual dennoch nicht die ärztliche Evaluation des individuellen Patienten ersetzen und damit eine Anpassung der Diagnostik bzw. Therapie ersetzen.

Is percutaneous coronary intervention safe during uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndromes?

Objectives

No data on optimal management of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) on long-term direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are available. Using the data of the Management of Antithrombotic TherApy in Patients with Chronic or DevelOping AtRial Fibrillation During Hospitalization for PCI study, we sought to compare the outcome of patients with ACS and atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent PCI during uninterrupted DOAC (UDOAC group) and those who interrupted DOAC before PCI (IDOAC group).

Methods

The primary outcomes of our analysis were the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), a composite of death, cerebrovascular events, recurrent myocardial infarction or revascularisation and net adverse clinical events (NACEs), including major bleeding, at 6 months.

Results

Among the 132 patients on long-term DOAC, 72 (54.6%) underwent PCI during UDOAC and 60 (45.4%) after IDOAC. The mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was 3.8±1.7 and 3.9±1.3 (p=0.89), while the HAS-BLED score was 2.5±1.0 and 2.5±0.9 (p=0.96), in UDOAC and IDOAC groups, respectively. The median time from hospital admission to PCI was 9.5 (IQR: 2.0–31.5) hours in UDOAC and 45.5 (IQR: 22-5–92.0) hours in IDOAC group (p<0.0001). A radial approach was used in 92%, and a drug-eluting stent was implanted in 98% of patients. At 6 months, the rates of MACE (13.9% vs 16.7%) and NACE (20.8% vs 21.7%) did not differ between UDOAC and IDOAC groups. At multivariable analysis, increasing CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (HR: 1.39; 95% CIs 1.05 to 1.83; p=0.02) resulted as the only independent predictor of NACE.

Conclusions

Our study shows that PCI is a safe procedure during UDOAC in patients with concomitant ACS and AF.

Uninterrupted Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients Undergoing Unplanned Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare interrupted and uninterrupted oral anticoagulant therapy (I-OAC vs. U-OAC) in patients on OAC undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data regarding the optimal peri-procedural management of OAC-treated patients.

METHODS

In the SWEDEHEART registry, all patients on OAC who were admitted acutely and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary angiography with a diagnostic procedure, from 2005 to 2017, were included. Outcomes were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) and bleeds at 120 days. Propensity score was used to adjust for the nonrandomized treatment selection.

RESULTS

The study included 6,485 patients: 3,322 in the I-OAC group and 3,163 in the U-OAC group. The cumulative incidence of MACCE was 8.2% (269 events) versus 8.2% (254 events) in the I-OAC and the U-OAC groups, respectively. The adjusted risk for MACCE did not differ between the groups (I-OAC vs. U-OAC hazard ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.71 to 1.12). Similarly, no difference was found in the risk for MACCE or bleeds (12.6% vs. 12.9%, adjusted hazard ratio: 0.87; 95% confidence interval: 0.70 to 1.07). The risk for major or minor in-hospital bleeds did not differ between the groups. However, U-OAC was associated with a significantly shorter duration of hospitalization: 4 (3 to 7) days versus 5 (3 to 8) days; p < 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

I-OAC and U-OAC were associated with equivalent risk for MACCE and bleeding complications. An U-OAC strategy was associated with shorter length of hospitalization. These data support U-OAC as the preferable strategy in patients on OAC undergoing coronary intervention.

Updated overview of evidence on optimal antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutanous coronary intervention

Selection of the optimal peri- and postprocedural antithrombotic regimen in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common clinical problem which may pose a challenge to medical practitioners. This systematic review summarizes the updated evidence on this topic. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) at standard doses are the preferred option in most of post PCI patients with AF, except those few with a clear indication for a vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Reduced NOAC doses should be considered in dabigatran- or rivaroxaban-treated patients with a high bleeding risk, which prevail over concerns about stent thrombosis or ischemic stroke. There is insufficient evidence to favor one NOAC over another in this setting. In the early post stenting period, triple therapy comprising a NOAC, clopidogrel and aspirin is recommended. Timing of post PCI aspirin cessation should be based on a careful analysis of the bleeding and ischemic risk. There is only low quality evidence regarding the optimal approach to elective or urgent/emergency PCI procedures in patients requiring oral anticoagulation. It is suggested that there is no need of interruption of VKA and PCI procedure should be performed via radial artery access with a lower dose of unfractionated heparin. On the other hand, NOACs are usually stopped before elective PCIs, while urgent/emergency procedures may be performed with the addition of low-dose parenteral anticoagulation.

Update on complications and their management during transradial cardiac catheterization

Introduction: Transradial artery access (TRA) was introduced in 1989 and has been universally used as an alternative approach to the traditional transfemoral access (TFA). Complications of TRA include asymptomatic and less likely symptomatic radial artery occlusion, nonocclusive radial artery injury, radial artery spasm, radial arterial perforation, radial artery pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, granuloma formation, access-site bleeding, nerve damage, complex regional pain syndrome along with other rare complications.Areas covered: A literature search was performed using MedLine, PubMed, and Google Scholar (dating to 1 May 2019). Authors reviewed all articles related to transradial artery catheterization, its complications, as well as novel techniques for their management. The article provides insight on the incidence, risk factors, and prevention of such complications along with a description of usual and newer techniques to decrease morbidity.Expert opinion: With increasing experience, TRA complication rate is decreasing and new very uncommon complications are being described. A 'radial first' approach should be implemented in all catheterization laboratories and a physician's familiarity with minor and major complications is a must. Distal radial artery access through the snuff box might be the preferred site of accessing the radial artery and further studies will be needed to prove its superiority to the current access site.

Vascular Access Site and Outcomes in 58,870 Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With a Previous History of Coronary Bypass Surgery: Results From the British Cardiovascular Interventions Society National Database

OBJECTIVES

Using the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) database, access site choice and outcomes of patients undergoing PCI with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were studied.

BACKGROUND

Given the influence of access site on outcomes, use of radial access in PCI-CABG warrants further investigation.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 58,870 PCI-CABG procedures performed between 2005 and 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of access site choice and its association with outcomes.

RESULTS

The number of PCI-CABG cases and the percentage of total PCI increased significantly during the study period. Femoral artery (FA) utilization fell from 90.8% in 2005 to 57.6% in 2014 (p < 0.001), with no differences in the rate of change of left versus right radial use. In contemporary study years (2012 to 2014), female sex, acute coronary syndrome presentation, chronic total occlusion intervention, and lower operator volume were independently associated with FA access. Length of stay was shortened in the radial cohort. Unadjusted outcomes including an access site complication (1.10% vs. 0.30%; p < 0.001), blood transfusion (0.20% vs. 0.04%; p < 0.001), major bleeding (1.30% vs. 0.40%; p < 0.001), and in-hospital death (1.10% vs. 0.60%; p = 0.001) were more likely to occur with FA access compared with radial access. After adjustment, although arterial complications, transfusion, and major bleeding remained more common with FA use, short- and longer-term mortality and major adverse cardiac event rates were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In contemporary practice, FA access remains predominant during PCI-CABG with case complexity associated with it use. FA use was associated with longer length of stay, and higher rates of vascular complications, major bleeding, and transfusion.

Temporal changes in radial access use, associates and outcomes in patients undergoing PCI using rotational atherectomy between 2007 and 2014: results from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society national database

AIMS

Access site choice for cases requiring rotational atherectomy (PCI-ROTA) is poorly defined. Using the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society PCI database, temporal changes and contemporary associates/outcomes of access site choice for PCI-ROTA were studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were analysed from 11,444 PCI-ROTA procedures performed in England and Wales between 2007 and 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of access site choice and its association with outcomes.

RESULTS

For PCI-ROTA, radial access increased from 19.6% in 2007 to 58.6% in 2014. Adoption of radial access was slower in females, those with prior CABG, and in patients with chronic occlusive (CTO) or left main disease. In 2013/14, the strongest predictors of femoral artery use were age (OR 1.02, [1.005-1.036], P = .008), CTO intervention (OR 1.95, [1.209-3.314], P = .006), and history of previous CABG (OR 1.68, [1.124-2.515], P = .010). Radial access was associated with reductions in overall length of stay, and increased rates of same-day discharge. Procedural success rates were similar although femoral access use was associated with increased access site complications (2.4 vs. 0.1%, P < .001). After adjustment for baseline differences, arterial complications (OR 15.6, P < .001), transfusion (OR 12.5, P = .023) and major bleeding OR 6.0, P < .001) remained more common with FA use. Adjusted mortality and MACE rates were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In contemporary practice, radial access for PCI-ROTA results in similar procedural success when compared to femoral access but is associated with shorter length of stay, and lower rates of vascular complication, major bleeding and transfusion.

Prevention of Radial Artery Occlusions Following Coronary Procedures: Forward and Backward Steps in Improving Radial Artery Patency Rates

Radial artery (RA) occlusion (RAO) remains the Achilles heel of transradial coronary procedures. Although of silent nature, RAO is relatively frequent, results in graft shortage for future coronary artery bypass surgery, and may occur even after short-lasting, 5F coronary angiography (CAG). The most frequent predictors of RAO are RA size, body size, female gender, and periprocedural anticoagulation intensity. Methods to detect RAO are variable, of which the Barbeau test and ultrasonography have similar diagnostic accuracy. Data indicate that late RAO recanalization may occur. Meticulous handling of RA and the use of appropriate hemostatic devices and techniques along with sufficient heparin dose appear important measures to reduce RAO rates. Recent contradictory studies indicate that the decreasing incidence of RAO overtime is not as uniform as previously thought. In 2 meta-analyses, the benefit of higher over lower anticoagulation intensity became evident. As “it may all be appropriate anticoagulation” for a simplified approach against RAO, the results of an ongoing trial comparing 100 with 50 IU/kg body weight in transradial CAG are eagerly awaited.

Radial Artery and Ulnar Artery Occlusions Following Coronary Procedures and the Impact of Anticoagulation: ARTEMIS (Radial and Ulnar ARTEry Occlusion Meta-AnalysIS) Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Incidence of radial artery occclusions (RAO) and ulnar artery occclusions (UAO) in coronary procedures, factors predisposing to forearm arteries occlusion, and the benefit of anticoaggulation vary significantly in existing literature. We sought to determine the incidence of RAO/UAO and the impact of anticoagulation intensity.

Methods and Results

Meta‐analysis of 112 studies assessing RAO and/or UAO (N=46 631) were included. Overall, there was no difference between crude RAO and UAO rates (5.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4–6.0 versus 4.0%; 95% CI, 2.8–5.8; P=0.171). The early occlusion rate (in‐hospital or within 7 days after procedure) was higher than the late occlusion rate. The detection rate of occlusion was higher with vascular ultrasonography compared with clinical evaluation only. Low‐dose heparin was associated with a significantly higher RAO rate compared with high‐dose heparin (7.2%; 95% CI, 5.5–9.4 versus 4.3%; 95% CI, 3.5–5.3; Q=8.81; P=0.003). Early occlusions in low‐dose heparin cohorts mounted at 8.0% (95% CI, 6.1–10.6). The RAO rate was higher after diagnostic angiographies compared with coronary interventions, presumably attributed to the higher intensity of anticoagulation in the latter group. Hemostatic techniques (patent versus nonpatent hemostasis), geography (US versus non‐US cohorts) and sheath size did not impact on vessel patency.

Conclusions

RAO and UAO occur with similar frequency and in the order of 7% to 8% when evaluated early by vascular ultrasonography following coronary procedures. More‐intensive anticoagulation is protective. Late recanalization occurs in a substantial minority of patients.

Radial artery occlusion after transradial coronary catheterization

The transradial approach (TRA) for coronary angiography and interventions is increasingly utilized around the world. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common significant complication after transradial catheterization, with incidence varying between 1% and 10%. Although RAO is rarely accompanied by hand ischemia, it is an important complication because it prohibits future transradial access and radial artery utilization as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting or arteriovenous fistula formation. In this review, we discuss factors predicting the occurrence of RAO, aspects of accurate and prompt recognition, methods that contribute to its prevention and possible treatment options.

Twisting method for reducing friction during insertion of a sheath introducer and a sheathless guiding catheter

A sheathless system that inserts a catheter directly into the artery can reduce puncture site-related complications through a 2-Fr reduction of the outer diameter. However, the gap between the dilator and the guiding catheter of the sheathless system is larger than the gap between the dilator and sheath of the introducer system, resulting in stronger insertion resistance. A twisting method with rapid alternating rotation of a device to the left and right during insertion can reduce the insertion resistance. This method can be effective with the sheathless system which has a larger gap. To examine the effect of size reduction on the sheathless system and the effect of insertion resistance reduction using the twisting method, we developed an insertion simulator and compared insertion resistance to a 5-Fr sheath introducer and a 5-Fr sheathless system, with and without the twisting method. The insertion simulator pushed a sheath introducer or a sheathless system toward a mock artery consisted with a 5-mm urethane and a 1-mm rubber sheet by an electrical motor with or without twisting motion generated by a crank shaft. Insertion resistance during the penetration was measured by a tension meter. The insertion resistance was less with the 5-Fr sheathless system than with the 5-Fr sheath introducer. The resistance reduced further with use of twisting for both the sheathed and sheathless catheters. In conclusion, the experiment suggests the benefits of twisting insertion of a sheathless guiding catheter for reduction of puncture site-related complications.

Radial Artery Occlusion After Transradial Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) may occur posttransradial intervention and limits the radial artery as a future access site, thus precluding its use as an arterial conduit. In this study, we investigate the incidence and factors influencing the RAO in the current literature.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies of RAO in transradial access. Relevant studies were identified and data were extracted. Data were synthesized by meta-analysis, quantitative pooling, graphical representation, or by narrative synthesis. A total of 66 studies with 31 345 participants were included in the analysis. Incident RAO ranged between <1% and 33% and varied with timing of assessment of radial artery patency (incidence of RAO within 24 hours was 7.7%, which decreased to 5.5% at >1 week follow-up). The most efficacious measure in reducing RAO was higher dose of heparin, because lower doses of heparin were associated with increased RAO (risk ratio 0.36, 95% CI 0.17-0.76), whereas shorter compression times also reduced RAO (risk ratio 0.28, 95% CI 0.05-1.50). Several factors were found to be associated with RAO including age, sex, sheath size, and diameter of radial artery, but these factors were not consistent across all studies.

CONCLUSIONS

RAO is a common complication of transradial access. Maintenance of radial patency should be an integral part of all procedures undertaken through the radial approach. High-dose heparin along with shorter compression times and patent hemostasis is recommended in reducing RAO.

Radial Interventions: Present and Future Indications

OPINION STATEMENT

Since its first introduction, radial access for diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures has progressively evolved with advances in understanding, capabilities, and ease of operation. Numerous studies have demonstrated its safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. Overall, radial catheterization is a valid alternative to the femoral approach with additional benefits of shorter length of hospital stay and reduced patient costs when performed by experienced interventionists. Moreover, with reduced rates of access site complications and enhanced patient satisfaction, the transradial approach has emerged as the preferred vascular access route for most coronary interventions, even in cases of acute myocardial infarction.

Radial artery occlusion after transradial approach to cardiac catheterization

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common complication of the transradial approach (TRA) to cardiac catheterization, with a reported incidence between 0.8 % and 30 %. RAO is likely the result of acute thrombus formation and complicated by neointimal hyperplasia. Most RAO are asymptomatic with rare cases of acute hand or digit ischemia reported in the literature. The role of testing for dual circulation to the hand in determining the safety of TRA as it relates to symptomatic RAO is controversial; however, modifiable risk factors like low sheath-to-artery ratio, adequate anticoagulation, and non-occlusive ("patent") hemostasis are likely to prevent RAO. This review examines the incidence of RAO, potential mechanisms leading to RAO, and strategies to prevent and treat RAO.

Standardized radial approach reduces access site complications: a prospective observational registry

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of complications by Doppler sonography after radial access for cardiac catheterization in a prospective observational registry.

BACKGROUND

The radial approach for cardiac catheterization is being used with increasing frequency. In randomized trials, the risk of bleeding was lower with radial access compared with femoral access. However, there are still concerns in terms of the radial access because of reported high rates of radial artery occlusion (RAO) up to 30%.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective observational registry, a total of 369 procedures were performed using a standardized radial approach in terms of sheath size, anticoagulation, and postinterventional hemostasis. The rates of RAO, hematoma, and vascular complications were assessed the day after catheterization.

RESULTS

A diagnostic procedure was performed in 25.7% and a coronary intervention in 74.3% of patients. Sheath size was 5 Fr in 12.2% (N=45) or 6 Fr in 87.8% (N=324). Doppler sonography showed RAO in 3.8% (N=14/369), with no difference between the 5- and the 6-Fr sheath (2.2 vs. 4.0%, P=0.56). A hematoma of 5 cm or more was documented after two (0.5%) procedures. There was no need for any blood transfusion or surgery. A small hematoma (every hematoma <5 cm) was observed in 16.0% (N=59). There was no statistical difference in the frequency of RAO, hematoma, or vascular complications between procedures performed with 5-Fr or less or 6-Fr sheaths and the use of dual antiplatelet therapy or oral anticoagulation.

CONCLUSION

Radial access for coronary catheterization is effective and safe. With a standardized approach, the rates of bleeding events and RAOs are low.

Antiplatelet Therapy During PCI for Patients with Stable Angina and Atrial Fibrillation

The pharmacological treatment options for anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib) have increased with the introduction of novel oral anticoagulants, compared with earlier times, when vitamin K antagonist was the drug of choice. As they age, many Afib patients require percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), necessitating antiplatelet medication in addition to anticoagulation therapy. Choosing the appropriate combination and duration of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies may be challenging in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and even more complicated during and after coronary intervention with the introduction of additional antithrombotic drugs. In this article, we review the scientific basis for the recent guidelines for anticoagulation and antithrombotic therapy in patients with Afib and stable CAD before, during, and after elective PCI.

The Transradial Approach and Antithrombotic Therapy: Rationale and Outcomes

This article reviews antithrombotic strategies for percutaneous coronary interventions according to the access site and the current evidence with the aim of limiting ischemic complications and preventing radial artery occlusion (RAO). Prevention of RAO should be part of the quality control of any radial program. The incidence of RAO postcatheterization and interventions should be determined initially using the echo-duplex and then frequently assessed using the more cost-effective pulse oximetry technique. Any evidence of higher risk of RAO should prompt internal analysis and multidisciplinary mechanisms to be put in place.

Complications of Transradial Cardiac Catheterization and Management

The transradial approach for coronary angiography has become an increasingly used alternative to the conventional transfemoral approach. Decreased access site complications and bleeding, reduced hospital stays and health care costs, and increased patient satisfaction contribute to the attractiveness of this approach. However, operators must be familiar with the distinct complications associated with the transradial approach. In this article, we discuss the common and less common complications of transradial catheterization, prevention strategies, and management options.

Triple therapy for atrial fibrillation and percutaneous coronary intervention: a contemporary review

Chronic oral anticoagulant therapy is recommended (class I) in patients with mechanical heart valves and in patients with atrial fibrillation with a CHA2DS2-VASc (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack or thromboembolism, Vascular disease, Age 65 to 74 years, Sex category) score ≥1. When these patients undergo percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting, treatment with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor also becomes indicated. Before 2014, guidelines recommended the use of triple therapy (vitamin K antagonists, aspirin, and clopidogrel) for these patients. However, major bleeding is increasingly recognized as the Achilles' heel of the triple therapy regimen. Lately, various studies have investigated this topic, including a prospective randomized trial, and the evidence for adding aspirin to the regimen of vitamin K antagonists and clopidogrel seems to be weakened. In this group of patients, the challenge is finding the optimal equilibrium to prevent thromboembolic events, such as stent thrombosis and thromboembolic stroke, without increasing bleeding risk.

The optimal management of patients on oral anticoagulation undergoing coronary artery stenting. The 10th Anniversary Overview

Even 10 years after the first appearance in the literature of articles reporting on the management of patients on oral anticoagulation (OAC) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with stent (PCI-S), this issue is still controversial. Nonetheless, some guidance for the everyday management of this patient subset, accounting for about 5-8 % of all patients referred for PCI-S, has been developed. In general, a period of triple therapy (TT) of OAC, with either vitamin K-antagonists (VKA) or non-vitamin K-antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC), aspirin, and clopidogrel is warranted, followed by the combination of OAC, and a single antiplatelet agent for up to 12 months, and then OAC alone. The duration of the initial period of TT is dependent on the individual risk of thromboembolism, and bleeding, as well as the clinical context in which PCI-S is performed (elective vs acute coronary syndrome), and the type of stent implanted (bare-metal vs drug-eluting). In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive, at-a-glance, overview of the management strategies, which are currently suggested for the peri-procedural, medium-term, and long-term periods following PCI-S in OAC patients. While acknowledging that most of the evidence has been obtained from patients on OAC because of atrial fibrillation, and with warfarin being the most frequently used VKA, we refer in this overview to the whole population of OAC patients undergoing PCI-S. We refer to the whole population of patients on OAC undergoing PCI-S also when OAC is carried out with NOAC rather than VKA, pointing out, when appropriate, the particular management issues.

Safety of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention via the radial versus femoral route in patients on uninterrupted oral anticoagulation with warfarin

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate access site and other bleeding complications associated with radial versus femoral access in patients receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC) with warfarin.

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving OAC with warfarin undergoing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may have OAC continued despite the risk of bleeding. To what extent arterial access site impacts bleeding in such patients is not well studied.

METHODS

Over 6 years, we identified 255 consecutive patients in whom warfarin was continued who underwent coronary angiography with an international normalized ratio >1.8. A total of 97 patients also underwent PCI at the same setting (27% femoral vs 73% radial). The primary outcome was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeds; a secondary end point was frequency of access site complications in the 72 hours post-PCI. Complications were evaluated based on the initial access site attempted.

RESULTS

Minimal baseline clinical characteristics differences existed between the groups. International normalized ratio was significantly higher in the radial group (2.42 ± 0.67 vs 2.24 ± 0.49, P = .02). Bivalirudin use was greater during radial PCI than femoral (76% vs 42%, P < .05), whereas unfractionated heparin alone was greater during femoral PCI than radial (46% vs 18%, P < .05). No significant difference was seen in the primary end point between femoral (2.8%) and radial (1.6%, P = .54) during coronary angiography alone. However, PCI via the femoral artery had significantly more Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeding (19.2% vs 1.4%, P = .005) and transfusions (15% vs 0%, P = .004) than via the radial artery. Patients who underwent PCI using radial access were less likely to have any vascular or bleeding complications (1% vs 23%, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent coronary angiography during uninterrupted OAC had similar bleeding rates regardless of access site. However, when PCI was performed, radial access was associated with fewer bleeding and vascular complications than the femoral approach.

CONDENSED ABSTRACT

We retrospectively identified 255 consecutive patients on warfarin who underwent coronary angiography, 97 of whom underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention. The data reveal a reduction in Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeds (1.6% vs 8.1%, P = .02) with radial versus femoral access. The radial approach was associated with an overall lower rate of any vascular or bleeding complication than the femoral approach during percutaneous coronary intervention (1% vs 23%, P = .001).