维拉帕米在经桡动脉心脏介入治疗中的应用及安全性

目的探讨维拉帕米在经桡动脉心脏介入治疗中的应用及安全性。方法60例经桡动脉心脏介入治疗的患者，从桡动脉局部注入维拉帕米5mg，观察注入前、后心率、血压、局部和全身的变化及术中是否出现桡动脉痉挛。结果60例患者注药前后心率、收缩压、舒张压均有一定程度变化，但无显著性差异，术中未出现桡动脉痉挛，无心衰和新的房室传导阻滞出现。结论在经桡动脉心脏介入治疗时，局部注入维拉帕米5mg，可预防桡动脉痉挛，且无明显副作用，安全有效。     

预防桡动脉痉挛的前瞻性随机双盲研究

目的在使用维拉帕米的基础上,观察维拉帕米加量或联用硝酸甘油预防经桡动脉介入诊疗中桡动脉痉挛（rad ial artery spasm,RAS）的效果。方法前瞻性入选经桡动脉冠状动脉介入治疗的患者,按照随机、双盲原则将患者分为A组（维拉帕米200μg）、B组（维拉帕米1 mg）和C组（维拉帕米200μg＋硝酸甘油200μg）。在动脉鞘管置入后,随机给予不同药物。使用造影证实的临床RAS定义。记录并比较各组患者RAS和不良反应的发生率。结果共入选患者621例,其中A组205例、B组206例、C组210例。三组患者的基线资料比较,差异均无统计学意义。单因素方差分析显示,A组患者RAS发生率高于B组（17.1%比10.2%,P=0.045）和C组（17.1%比9.5%,P=0.029）,B组和C组间差异无统计学意义（10.2%比9.5%,P=0.870）。Logistic回归分析显示,B组和C组比A组发生RAS相对风险分别降低了32.1%（P=0.038）和43.8%（P=0.017）。不良反应A组和C组相似,均较少。B组不良反应发生率高于A组（9.7%比2.4%,P=0.003）和C组（9.7%比3.8%,P=0.019）。结论在经桡动脉介入诊疗中,推荐国人使用维拉帕米200μg＋硝酸甘油200μg预防RAS,该剂量安全、有效,且不良反应较少。     

Assessment of the efficacy of phentolamine to prevent radial artery spasm during cardiac catheterization procedures: A randomized study comparing phentolamine vs. verapamil

The objective of this study was to evaluate phentolamine as radial artery spasmolytic in transradial catheterization procedures. Radial artery spasm is a relatively frequent complication during transradial approach, causing patient discomfort or even making it impossible to continue the procedure. As radial artery spasm is mediated by the stimulation of α‐adrenoreceptors, the use of the α‐blocker phentolamine could make sense as spasmolytic. We designed a randomized double‐blind study to compare phentolamine vs. verapamil, the standard spasmolytic agent. Five hundred patients (250 in each arm) submitted to a transradial cardiac catheterization were consecutively included and randomly assigned to receive 2.5 mg of verapamil or 2.5 mg of phentolamine after sheath insertion. Both vasodilator agents induced a significant radial artery diameter increase (from 2.22 ± 0.53 to 2.48 ± 0.57 mm, P < 0.001 for verapamil, and from 2.20 ± 0.53 to 2.45 ± 0.53 mm, P < 0.001 for phentolamine). However, verapamil was more efficacious to prevent radial artery spasm (13.2% compared with 23.2% in phentolamine‐treated patients; P = 0.004). Follow‐up (20 ± 18 days) evaluation of the radial artery patency by plestismography and pulse oximetry showed no differences between the two groups in the rate of radial occlusion (3.0% vs. 3.2% in verapamil and phentolamine treated patients, respectively). Phentolamine was an effective radial vasodilator agent, although it showed less ability to prevent radial artery spasm than verapamil. Radial artery occlusion rate was almost identical for both vasodilators. Thus, phentolamine could be a valid alternative to verapamil as a radial artery spasmolytic agent. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

法舒地尔在经桡动脉冠状动脉介入治疗中预防桡动脉痉挛疗效分析

目的观察法舒地尔在经桡动脉冠状动脉介入中预防桡动脉痉挛（RAS）的疗效。方法入选300例行经桡动脉冠状动脉介入治疗的冠心病患者,随机分为法舒地尔组（n=102）、硝酸甘油＋维拉帕米组（n=88）、对照组（n=110）。法舒地尔组术前半小时静滴法舒地尔30mg;硝酸甘油＋维拉帕米组在置入动脉鞘管后经鞘管注入硝酸甘油200μg＋维拉帕米5mg;对照组无特殊处理。结果法舒地尔组、硝酸甘油＋维拉帕米组与对照组RAS发生率分别为5.88%、5.68%、15.45%;前两组无统计学差异（P〉0.05）但均低于对照组,且差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。法舒地尔组局部症状和全身症状发生率均低于硝酸甘油＋维拉帕米组及对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论法舒地尔能减少经皮冠状动脉介入治疗中RAS的发生率,且较少发生局部及全身症状。     

Reduction in spasm with a long hydrophylic transradial sheath

Objectives: We aimed to assess the efficiency of a long hydrophilic sheath in reducing radial spasm for transradial approach. Background: Despite a lower access site complication rate, cardiac catheterization using transradial approach is not widely used. Radial spasm is one of the main issues for transradial angiography and percutaneous interventions. We assumed that radial artery protection using a long hydrophilic‐coated sheath would reduce radial spasm compared to a bare short sheath. Methods: Three hundred and fifty one patients (pts) admitted for transradial coronary angiography ± percutaneous coronary interventions were randomly assigned to a long hydrophilic‐coated or a short sheath (control group). Primary end point was the occurrence of a radial spasm defined by significant patient pain evaluated by scale score (>4) or significant catheter frictions during manipulation. Procedure failure, radial occlusion, and local complications were also assessed. Results: Radial spasm was significantly reduced when using the long‐coated compared to the short sheath in 7 (4%) vs. 32 pts (18%) P < 0.001. No difference was found regarding procedure failure respectively 1.2% vs. 0.6%, local complication 0.6% vs. 1.2%, and radial occlusion 3.5% vs. 3.5%. Conclusion: Radial artery protection using the long hydrophilic‐coated sheath was efficient in the prevention of radial spasm for transradial approach. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Transradial access in percutaneous coronary interventions

After showing significantly lower complication rates in diagnostic coronary angiography, the radial artery access was successfully introduced as a useful vascular access site for transradial percutaneous coronary intervention in order to enhance patients’ comfort and reduce hospital workload and costs. Moreover, due to the reduced need for antiplatelet therapy cessation as a result of lower bleeding complications, patients treated with transradial access showed a significantly better cardiac outcome in randomized interventional acute coronary syndrome studies. Procedural success and postprocedural radial arteritis or radial occlusions are closely related to anatomical circumstances (e.g., anomalous radial branching patterns, tortuosity, e.g., radial loops and small radial artery diameters), or risk factors for radial spasms (e.g. smoking, anxiety, vessel diameter, age, gender) which can effectively be reduced by the use of smaller catheters (4–5 Fr) and the administration of an adjuvant pharmacological therapy before (3000 U heparin, verapamil, nitroglycerine) and after (ibuprofen) the intervention. For successful radial sheath access and transradial catheterization, it is important to use dedicated radial access needles ≤21-gauge and steel wires ≤0.018 in. In order to pass the brachiocephalic trunk without difficulties or complications and access the ascending aorta, the use of inspiration maneuvers is of central importance.     

Effectiveness of enoxaparin for prevention of radial artery occlusion after transradial cardiac catheterization

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of enoxaparin for prevention of radial artery (RA) occlusion after transradial access for diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. RA occlusion is a potential complication of transradial cardiac catheterization. Conventionally, unfractionated heparin is used for prevention of RA occlusion. Effectiveness of low molecular weight heparins for prevention of this complication has not been tested before. Fifty transradial catheterizations were performed for diagnostic and/or interventional cardiac procedures in 39 patients. All the patients received 60 mg enoxaparin through the radial sheath at the beginning of the procedure for prevention of RA occlusion. RA patency was evaluated by Doppler examination. Patients were assessed for postprocedural RA occlusion at discharge and 5.5 ± 2.8 days follow-up. RA occlusion was detected after 2 of the 50 transradial accesses, yielding a RA occlusion rate of % 4. In this study we found a low rate of RA occlusion with use of enoxaparin during transradial access. Enoxaparin is safe and effective in transradial procedures with a RA occlusion rate comparable to use of unfractionated heparin.     

Evaluation of a spasmolytic cocktail to prevent radial artery spasm during coronary procedures.

Radial artery spasm is a frequent complication of the transradial approach for coronary angiography and angioplasty. Recently, we have been able to quantify spasm using the automatic pullback device. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of an intra-arterial vasodilating cocktail in reducing the incidence and severity of radial artery spasm. A hundred patients undergoing coronary procedures via the radial artery were divided into two groups of 50 each. Patients in group A received intra-arterial cocktail (5 mg of verapamil plus 200 micro g nitroglycerine in 10 ml of normal saline), while patients in group B did not receive any vasodilating drug. The pullback device was used for sheath removal at the end of the procedure. Seven (14%) patients in group A experienced pain (i.e., pain score of III-V) during automatic sheath removal, as compared to 17 (34%) in group B (P = 0.019). The mean pain score was significantly lower in group A than in group B (1.7 +/- 0.94 vs. 2.08 +/- 1.07; P = 0.03). The maximal pullback force (MPF) was also significantly lower for group A (0.53 +/- 0.52 kg; range, 0.10-3.03 kg) as compared to group B (0.76 +/- 0.45 kg; range, 0.24-1.99 kg; P = 0.013). Only 4 (8%) patients in group A had an MPF value greater than 1.0 kg, suggesting the presence of significant radial artery spasm, as opposed to 11 (22%) in group B (P = 0.029). Administration of an intra-arterial vasodilating cocktail prior to sheath insertion reduces the occurrence and severity of radial artery spasm.     

经造影导管局部给药对桡动脉痉挛的预防作用

目的：探讨经造影导管肱动脉注射硝酸甘油对经桡动脉冠状动脉介入治疗（TRI）中桡动脉痉挛（RAS）的预防效果。方法连续入选TRI冠状动脉造影（CAG）成功并需行经皮冠状动脉介入治疗（PCI）[包括经皮穿刺冠状动脉腔内成形术和（或）支架置入术]患者810例,其中试验组413例,对照组397例。试验组当造影导管回撤到达肱动脉水平时经造影导管注射硝酸甘油稀释液400μg（稀释至100μg/ml）,对照组在造影导管抽出后经由鞘管侧管注射硝酸甘油400μg（稀释至100μg/ml）,比较两组患者在指引导管送入过程中的RAS发生率。结果试验组较对照组RAS发生率降低,差异有统计学意义（18%比33%,P=0.021）。结论经造影导管肱动脉注射硝酸甘油能降低TRI中RAS的发生率。     

Prevention of arterial spasm during percutaneous coronary interventions through radial artery: the SPASM study.

AIMS: Radial artery spasm remains the major limitation of transradial approach for percutaneous coronary interventions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of vasodilators in the prevention of radial artery spasm during percutaneous coronary interventions. METHODS AND RESULTS: 1,219 patients were consecutively randomized to receive placebo (n = 198), molsidomine 1 mg (n = 203), verapamil 2.5 mg (n = 409), 5 mg (n = 203) or verapamil 2.5 mg and molsidomine 1 mg (n = 206). All drugs were administered through the arterial sheath. The primary end point was the occurrence of a radial artery spasm defined by the operator as severe limitation of the catheter movement, with or without angiographic confirmation. Main characteristics including age, sex, wrist and arterial sheath diameters and procedure duration were identical across the groups. The rate of radial artery spasm was lowest in patients receiving verapamil and molsidomine (4.9%), compared to verapamil 2.5 mg or 5 mg (8.3 and 7.9%), or molsidomine 1 mg (13.3%); and placebo (22.2%) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Radial artery spasm during transradial percutaneous interventions was effectively prevented by the administration of vasodilators. The combination of verapamil 2.5 mg and molsidomine 1 mg provided the strongest relative risk reduction of spasm compared to placebo and should therefore be recommended during percutaneous coronary interventions through the radial approach.     

Two Cases of Bezold-Jarisch Reflex Induced by Intra-Arterial Nitroglycerin in Critical Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis

The Bezold-Jarisch reflex, a well-described phenomenon, occurs upon the stimulation of intracardiac mechanoreceptors and is mediated by vagal afferent nerve fibers. Several factors can sensitize the cardiovascular system to develop this reflex, including acute myocardial ischemia, natriuretic peptides, and, rarely, nitroglycerin administration in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. The development of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex in the presence of severe coronary artery stenosis, specifically left main coronary artery stenosis, has not been described. We report 2 cases of patients who underwent elective coronary angiography and were given intra-arterial nitroglycerin during radial sheath insertion to reduce radial artery spasm. In both patients, bradycardia and hypotension developed along with diaphoresis, consistent with the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. Coronary angiography revealed critical (>90%) left main coronary artery stenosis in both patients. Critical left main coronary artery stenosis might sensitize mechanoreceptors or vagal afferents to the development of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex after intra-arterial nitroglycerin use; however, the mechanism of this possible relationship is unclear. In addition to discussing our patients'' cases, we review the medical literature relevant to the Bezold-Jarisch reflex.Key words: Blood pressure/physiology, bradycardia/chemically induced, heart rate/drug effects, hypotension/chemically induced, nitroglycerin/adverse effects, reflex/drug effects/physiologyIntra-arterial nitroglycerin is often used during transradial cardiac catheterization procedures to prevent radial artery spasm during sheath insertion. The Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) is known to be elicited by nitroglycerin, particularly in the setting of acute myocardial infarction; however, this occurs rather rarely.¹ We report the cases of 2 patients undergoing elective angiographic procedures in whom there developed a likely BJR after nitroglycerin was administered during radial sheath insertion. Neither patient had signs or symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia immediately before cardiac catheterization; however, both were found to have critical left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis. We propose that critical LMCA stenosis might lead to the development of the BJR in some patients after intra-arterial nitroglycerin use. In addition to reporting the cases of our patients, we review the relevant medical literature.     

Comparison of a priori versus provisional heparin therapy on radial artery occlusion after transradial coronary angiography and patent hemostasis (from the PHARAOH Study)

Systemic anticoagulation decreases the risk of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after transradial catheterization and standard occlusive hemostasis. We compared the efficacy and safety of provisional heparin use only when the technique of patent hemostasis was not achievable to standard a priori heparin administration after radial sheath introduction. Patients referred for coronary angiography were randomized in 2 groups. In the a priori group, 200 patients received intravenous heparin (50 IU/kg) immediately after sheath insertion. In the provisional group, 200 patients did not receive heparin during the procedure. After sheath removal, hemostasis was obtained using a TR band (Terumo corporation, Tokyo, Japan) with a plethysmography-guided patent hemostasis technique. In the provisional group, no heparin was given if radial artery patency could be obtained and maintained. If radial patency was not achieved, a bolus of heparin (50 IU/kg) was given. Radial artery patency was evaluated at 24 hours (early RAO) and 30 days after the procedure (late RAO) by plethysmography. Patent hemostasis was obtained in 67% in the a priori group and 74% in the provisional group (p = 0.10). Incidence of RAO remained similar in the 2 groups at the early (7.5% vs 7.0%, p = 0.84) and late (4.5% vs 5.0%, p = 0.83) evaluations. Women, patients with diabetes, patients having not received heparin, and patients without radial artery patency during hemostasis had more RAO. By multivariate analysis, patent radial artery during hemostasis (odds ratio [OR] 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.004 to 0.28, p = 0.002) and diabetes (OR 11, 95% CI 3 to 38,p <0.0001) were independent predictors of late RAO, whereas heparin was not (OR 0.45 95% CI 0.13 to 1.54, p = 0.20). In conclusion, our results suggest that maintenance of radial artery patency during hemostasis is the most important parameter to decrease the risk of RAO. In selected cases, provisional use of heparin appears feasible and safe when patent hemostasis is maintained.     

应用利多卡因外擦导管减少桡动脉痉挛的临床观察

目的:桡动脉痉挛是经桡动脉路径冠状动脉造影(CAG)和(或)介入治疗(PCI)的常见并发症之一。本研究旨在观察应用利多卡因外擦动脉鞘和造影导管,减少桡动脉痉挛的临床疗效。方法:将连续237例接受经桡动脉路径CAG/PCI的患者随机分为两组,分别于动脉鞘和造影/导引导管插入前应用2%利多卡因溶液(118例,利多卡因组)或0.9%氯化钠溶液(119例,对照组)外擦其表面。主要观察终点:严重桡动脉痉挛(导管推进或操作困难并伴前臂疼痛、桡动脉造影示管腔内径狭窄>70%)发生率。次要终点:前臂出血或血肿、患者不适程度以及操作成功率。结果:利多卡因组5例(4.2%)和对照组16例(13.4%)发生严重桡动脉痉挛(P=0.013);利多卡因组中无一例发生前臂出血或血肿,但对照组中3例前臂轻度出血(表现为造影剂外渗)和1例局部血肿形成,均经局部加压包扎后好转;利多卡因组因疼痛引起的重度不适减少;两组CAG/PCI均成功。结论:CAG/PCI时,应用2%利多卡因溶液外擦动脉鞘和造影/导引导管可能是一种减少严重桡动脉痉挛及其相关并发症的简易方法。     

Brewing the right cocktail for radial intervention

Radial access angioplasty has increased in popularity worldwide due to its decrease of access site complications, early patient mobility, patient comfort and lower costs. In a minority of patients, radial artery occlusion and radial artery spasm occurs. Because of the dual blood supply to the hand, radial artery occlusion is not associated with major clinical sequelae but prevention is important. Radial artery spasm rarely leads to serious vascular complications but can cause patient discomfort and can result in prolonging or failure of the procedure. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies have been evaluated to prevent radial artery occlusion and radial artery spasm. A number of pharmacological 'cocktails' have been successfully tested but there is currently no agreement on the optimal combination of agents. In order to evaluate the best strategy to prevent radial artery occlusion and radial artery spasm we reviewed the relevant studies to date. From these studies it is clear that a 'cocktail' of agents should be given before transradial coronary angiography or angioplasty. A combination of heparin, nitroglycerin and verapamil is associated with the best preventive outcome.     

桡动脉痉挛分析及药物干预试验

目的通过桡动脉造影法观察桡动脉痉挛(RAS)的相关因素,比较不同配方血管解痉剂对于RAS的效果。方法接受经桡动脉途径介入治疗(TRI)的患者180例,其中男性97例,女性83例。随机分入硝酸甘油组(硝酸甘油200μg),尼卡地平组(尼卡地平200μg),鸡尾酒组(硝酸甘油100μg+尼卡地平100μg),每组60例。在常规桡动脉造影后分别经鞘给予协定药物。给药后1、2 min分别行桡动脉造影。以方差分析法比较3组患者给药前、给药后1、2 min RAS发生率的变化。桡动脉痉挛程度通过计算机定量分析法(QCA)测得,桡动脉狭窄>70%定义为桡动脉痉挛,出现导管因痉挛发生推送、旋转困难以及拔管时阻力大、疼痛等临床表现定义为临床桡动脉痉挛。用Logistic回归分析桡动脉痉挛相关因素。结果 180例患者桡动脉正常参考段内径在基线水平为1.08～3.76 mm,平均为(2.24±0.52)mm。用药前RAS总发生率为10.6%,临床RAS发生率为6.2%。桡动脉直径、桡动脉鞘直径及既往TRI术≥2次是RAS的独立相关因素。硝酸甘油组、尼卡地平组和鸡尾酒组在桡动脉穿刺后RAS的发生率分别为15.0%、8.3%和8.3%,给药后1 min分别降至3.3%、5.0%和1.7%,给药后2 min分别降至1.7%、3.3%和0%。硝甘-尼卡组、尼卡-鸡尾酒组RAS发生率差异有统计学意义,但硝甘-鸡尾酒组桡动脉RAS发生率差异无统计学意义。结论 RAS总发生率为10.6%,其独立相关因素包括桡动脉直径、桡动脉鞘外径及既往TRI术≥2次。硝酸甘油及尼卡地平均具有明显扩张桡动脉的作用,但硝酸甘油及两者联合应用比单用尼卡地平有更大优势。     

Vasospasms of the radial artery after the transradial approach for coronary angiography and angioplasty

We examined vasospasms of the radial artery after a transradial approach was used for coronary angiography or angioplasty. In forty-eight patients (39 males and 9 females), arteriography of the radial artery was initially performed just after the transradial approach was used for coronary angiography and/or angioplasty. Then, five months later, a second arteriography of the radial artery was obtained after a transbrachial approach was used for coronary angiography. First and second arteriographies were compared to evaluate vaso-spasms of the radial artery. In the present study, more than 75% stenosis in the radial artery, 25-75% stenosis, and less than 25% stenosis were tentatively defined as severe spasms, moderate spasms, and mild spasms, respectively. In arteriographic studies on the radial artery, twenty-four patients (50%) had severe radial artery spasms, eleven patients (23%) had moderate spasms, and thirteen patients (27%) had mild spasms. The diameters of both the proximal and distal radial arteries in the severe spasm group were significantly smaller than those in the mild and moderate spasm groups (proximal site: severe group 2.39 +/- 0.70 mm versus mild group 2.98 +/- 0.46 mm, P < 0.05, and moderate group 2.96 +/- 0.77 mm, P < 0.05, distal site: severe group 2.26 +/- 0.60 mm versus mild group 2.73 +/- 0.47 mm, P < 0.05, and moderate group 2.86 +/- 0.71 mm, P < 0.05). We concluded that vasospasms of the radial artery occurred in most patients after the transradial approach. Furthermore, severe radial spasms were strongly correlated with the size of the diameter of the artery.     

Radial artery spasm during transradial coronary procedures

Although transradial access (TRA) for coronary procedures has many advantages over the transfemoral approach, it's still not the dominant route used in coronary interventions. Radial artery spasm (RAS) is an important limitation of TRA. We performed a search of published literature to estimate the prevalence and possible risk factors of RAS in patients undergoing transradial coronary procedure. Nineteen published papers including 7197 patients were identified as relevant; reported incidence of RAS was 14.7% altogether. It varies depending upon the criteria used, on applied premedications, and on sheath or catheter selection. Use of hydrophilic coated sheaths and catheters can reduce the incidence of RAS to 1%, while intra-arterial application of verapamil (1.25-5 mg) and nitroglycerin (100-200 μg) can reduce the incidence of RAS up to 3.8%. We concluded that RAS is still problematic in transradial access, and that besides hydrophilic materials, the use of intra-arterial vasodilators remains mandatory in RAS prevention. However, the optimal spasmolytic cocktail is yet to be confirmed by valid spasm criteria.     

Efficacy and safety of transient ulnar artery compression to recanalize acute radial artery occlusion after transradial catheterization

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) can result from transradial catheterization. We compared the incidence of RAO with 2 heparin dosage regimens after transradial coronary angiography, and we evaluated the efficacy and safety of transient homolateral ulnar artery compression to achieve acute radial artery recanalization. Patients referred for coronary angiography were randomized to very-low-dose heparin (2,000 IU) or low-dose heparin (5,000 IU). On sheath removal, hemostasis was obtained using the TR band with a plethysmography-guided patent hemostasis technique. In the case of RAO as assessed by duplex ultrasonography 3 to 4 hours after hemostasis, immediate 1-hour ulnar artery compression was applied. Hematomas >15 cm(2) were also assessed. We randomized 465 patients, 222 in the 2,000-IU group and 243 in the 5,000-IU group. The baseline and procedural characteristics were comparable in both groups. The incidence of initial RAO was 5.9% in the 2,000-IU group and 2.9% in the 5,000-IU group (p = 0.17), with a compression time of 2.10 ± 0.78 hours and 2.25 ± 0.82 hours, respectively (p = 0.051). After ulnar artery compression, the final incidence of RAO was 4.1% in the 2,000-IU group and 0.8% in the 5,000-IU group (p = 0.03). The incidence of local hematoma was 2.3% and 3.7% in the 2,000- and 5,000-IU groups, respectively (p = 0.42). In conclusion, acute RAO after transradial catheterization can be recanalized by early 1-hour homolateral ulnar artery compression. This simple nonpharmacologic method was effective and safe in patients with very-low- and low-dose heparin. Nevertheless, the incidence of final RAO remained significantly lower after a higher anticoagulation level.     

Radial artery spasm in transradial cardiac catheterization. Assessment of factors related to its occurrence, and of its consequences during follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Radial artery spasm is the most frequent complication of transradial cardiac catheterization. It causes patient discomfort and reduces the procedure's success rate. The aims of this study were to identify variables associated with this complication, such as clinical parameters, angiographic characteristics of the radial artery and factors related to the procedure, and to analyze the clinical consequences of spasm, both generally and for radial artery patency, during follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The study included 637 patients who were undergoing transradial cardiac catheterization. Radial artery spasm was recorded using a scale that reflected the presence of pain and the technical difficulty of the procedure. RESULTS: Radial artery spasm was reported in 127 patients (20.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that the variables associated with radial artery spasm were radial artery anatomical anomalies (odds ratio [OR]=5.1; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.1-11.4), use of >size-3 catheters (OR=3.0; 95% CI: 1.9-4.7), moderate-to-severe pain during radial artery cannulation (OR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.4-4.9), the use of phentolamine as a spasmolytic (OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-2.9), and postvasodilation radial artery diameter (OR=0.98; 95% CI: 0.98-0.99). At follow-up [20 (18) days], severe pain in the forearm was more frequent in patients who presented with radial artery spasm (12.4% vs 5.3%), but there was no significant difference in the radial artery occlusion rate (4.5% vs 2.2%). CONCLUSION: Radial artery spasm during transradial catheterization mainly depends on radial artery characteristics and procedural variables. At follow-up, radial artery spasm was associated with more frequent severe pain in the forearm, but the radial artery occlusion rate was not increased.     

Radial artery spasm during transradial cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention: incidence,predisposing factors,prevention, and management

Transradial cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention are increasingly being performed worldwide in elective and emergency procedures, with many centers adopting the transradial route as their first choice of arterial access. One of the most common complications encountered during transradial procedures is radial artery spasm. This article reviews the current literature on the incidence, predisposing factors, preventive, and treatment measures for radial artery spasm.