Is the Allen Test Necessary Before Transradial Artery Catheterization?

No, according to a prospective study in which postprocedural concentration of thumb capillary lactate was used as the primary endpoint.

To address ongoing controversy about whether Allen test results predict ischemic complications of transradial artery (TRA) catheterization, investigators conducted a prospective study in 203 patients with normal (83), intermediate (60), or abnormal (60) Allen test results before TRA procedures. All patients also underwent preprocedure plethysmography and pulse oximetry (Barbeau test); ulnar contrast angiography frame count for collateral assessment during catheterization; and thumb capillary lactate assessment and handgrip-strength testing immediately after catheterization, at 30 days, and at 1 year.

The primary endpoint — postprocedural concentration of thumb capillary lactate — did not differ among the groups either immediately after the p…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHeart Valve Collaboratory (Scientific Committee Member, Chair of the Publications Committee)