LEFT RADIAL ARTERY APPROACH FOR CORONARY ARTERY INTERVENTION

Abstract

Objective: To determine the success rate of left radial artery approach for coronary intervention.
Study design: Descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases Rawalpindi. Study Period spanned from 15 January 2010 to 15 July 2010.
Patients and Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 41 patients, out of these 41 patients, 25(61%) had undergone diagnostic coronary angiography using left radial artery approach and 16(39%) underwent percutaneus coronary intervention. Left radial artery route was selected after Positive Allen Test. Injection Verapamil 5mg was given through side connection of radial artery sheath to prevent spasm.
Results: No conversion to femoral artery route was done, establishing 100% success rate,without any bleeding or haematoma.
Conclusion: Left radial artery approach for coronary angiography and percutaneus intervention is convenient and safe for the patient and almost free from major access site complication.