OBJECTIVES: To report the experience using the transbrachial approach for coronary angiography. METHODS: 106 patients were studied with possible diagnosis of coronary artery disease using transbrachial catheterization. A preselected catheter (MP2) was introduced through a 5 F sheath and left heart catheterization and angiography performed in the usual manner. At the end of the procedure, the sheath was removed and hemostasis accomplished by manual compression. RESULTS: Most procedures (76.4%) were performed with a single catheter (MP2). The median fluoroscopy time was 4.5 min. In only 4 cases, during the learning curve of one operator, a different technique had to be performed. Three patients suffered small hematomas, 4 patients presented with small and 6 with moderate ecchymosis; there were no severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: The transbrachial technique is effective and safe; it has facilitated outpatient catheterization with a low rate of complications.
Heart catheterization, methods; Coronary angiography; Brachial artery
