BACKGROUND: The use of the transradial access for primary angioplasty is efficient and safe, even with aggressive antithrombotic regimen. The aim of this study is to perform an analysis of the safety and effectiveness of primary angioplasty using the radial access and a high bolus dose of tirofiban. METHOD: From January 2006 to April 2007, 73 patients were submitted to primary angioplasty in our service using the radial access. The in-hospital and late major adverse cardiovascular events were retrospectively evaluated particularly in respect to the occurrence of hemorrhagic and vascular complications. RESULTS: The use of the radial access was 100% successfully. Angiographic success was obtained in 95.8% of the patients. The right coronary was treated in 50% of the cases. A high bolus dose of tirofiban was used in 75% of the patients. There were 3 in-hospital cardiac deaths, but no cause of major bleeding. Local hematomas occurred in 5.4% of the cases. In the late follow-up (average of 7 months), the mortality rate was 5.4% with no complications related to the arterial puncture site or major bleeding. CONCLUSION: The systematic use of the transradial approach for primary angioplasty is highly efficient and safe despite the use of an aggressive anticoagulation and antithrombotic regimen including a high bolus dose of tirofiban.
Angioplasty, transluminal, percutaneous coronary; Radial artery; Tyrosine, analogs & derivatives
