Objective: To probe the efficacy and feasibility of the transradial approach for diagnostic coronary angiography with 5F universal catheter.
Methods: Transradial coronary angiography was performed in 3094 consecutive patients, 2396 men and 698 women, aged 30 - 81 years, mean age (56.1 +/- 9.8) years, from July 2000 to April 2004. Patients were divided into 5F improved Terumo catheter group (improved Terumo group, n = 985), 5F universal Terumo catheter group (Terumo group, n = 1024) and 5F universal Medtronic catheter group (Medtronic group, n = 1085). The procedure success rate, duration of operation and fluoroscopy between groups were compared.
Results: The procedure success rate was 98.4% in improved Terumo group, 98.0% in Terumo group, and 96.0 % in Medtronic group, respectively. The success rate was higher in improved Terumo group than in Medtronic group (P < 0.05). The average duration of operation and fluoroscopy in improved Terumo group was (17.9 +/- 5.8) min and (4.8 +/- 1.8) min, in Terumo group was (18.2 +/- 5.5) min and (5.0 +/- 1.7) min, but (21.1 +/- 7.2) min and (5.2 +/- 1.9) min in Medtronic group. There were significant differences among group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: (1) Transradial coronary angiography with small diameter universal catheter is safe and easy to perform with a higher success rate and allow earlier patient ambulation, and should be strongly encouraged and recommended. (2) Option of angiographic catheter plays a key role in the safety, efficacy and quality of transradial coronary angiography. Seemingly, the improved Terumo group was excellent and shoud be popularized.