BACKGROUND: Transradial approach is associated with a low incidence of vascular complications. This peculiarity makes it useful in acute coronary syndromes, where aggressive antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy is frequently used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transradial approach in primary percutaneous intervention, where delays in achieving reperfusion resulting from technical difficulties are unacceptable. METHOD: Registry including consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention by transradial approach. The efficacy endpoints were in-hospital mortality, door-to-balloon time, final TIMI III flow and access site crossover. Safety was assessed by the rate of major bleeding and complications related to the puncture site. RESULTS: From February 2007 to November 2009, 211 patients underwent primary percutaneous intervention, 201 of them by transradial approach. Mean age was 59 years, 27.4% were female and 22.4% had diabetes mellitus. Final TIMI III flow was achieved in 91.5% of patients, ST segment resolution > 50% in 88.5%, with a crossover rate of 1.5%. In-hospital mortality was 4.5% and the rate of major bleeding was 1%, with one episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and a decrease in hemoglobin > 5 g/dl. Vascular complications related to the puncture site were limited to 3 cases of type II hematoma and 2 cases of type III hematoma, with no clinical impact and spontaneous resolution. CONCLUSION: The transradial approach, performed by operators familiarized with the technique, is a safe and effective alternative for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, with virtually no major vascular complications related to the puncture site.
Radial artery; Angioplasty, transluminal, percutaneous coronary; Hemorrhage
