Radial or Femoral Access for Coronary Interventions?

In a randomized trial, a radial approach by experienced operators was similar in efficacy to a femoral approach and resulted in a lower rate of vascular complications.

Findings from small trials and observational studies suggest that rates of vascular and bleeding complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are lower with radial than with femoral arterial access. In a randomized, unblinded trial at 158 hospitals in 32 countries, investigators assigned 7021 patients (mean age, 62; 14% aged >75) with acute coronary syndromes (28% ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI]) to either radial or femoral access for coronary angiography and planned PCI between 2006 and 2010.

At 30 days, the rate of the primary outcome (a composite of death, MI, stroke, and major bleeding unrelated to coronary artery bypass grafting) was similar in the radial and femoral groups (3.7% and 4.0%, respectively). …

Reviewing Author

Beat J. Meyer, MD

Disclosures

Leadership positions in professional societiesBern Heart Foundation (President); International Academy of Medicine, Bern, Switzerland (Director)

Beat J. Meyer, MD

Disclosures

Leadership positions in professional societiesBern Heart Foundation (President); International Academy of Medicine, Bern, Switzerland (Director)