Procedure Time Comparison between Radial Versus Femoral Access in ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Emergent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-analysis of Controlled Randomized Trials

INTRODUCTION: There are inconclusive data about the potential delay of procedure time in emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by radial compared with femoral approach in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). AIMS: The purpose of the current study is to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of controlled randomized trials (CRTs) comparing the procedure time in STEMI patients undergoing emergent PCI with radial versus femoral access. METHODS: Formal search of CRTs through electronic databases (Medline and PubMed) was performed from January 1990 to October 2014 without language restrictions. Mean difference (MD) of procedure time was evaluated as overall effect. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included with 2052 and 2121 patients in radial and femoral group, respectively. Variability in the definition of procedure time was found with unavailability of a precise definition in 41.6% of studies. When all studies were included, no significant longer procedure time in radial approach was detected (MD [95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6 min [−0.10, 3.3], P = 0.07, P het = 0.56). After deleting RIVAL trial, procedure time was significantly longer in radial group (MD [95% CI] = 1.5 min [0.71, 2.3], P < 0.001, P het = 0.20). Meta-analysis of three studies with similar definition of procedure time showed (MD [95% CI] = 1.26 min [−0.43, 2.95], P = 0.14, P het = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Although the procedure time in STEMI patients undergoing emergent PCI by radial access is generally comparable with femoral approach, there is an absence of uniformity in its definition, which leads to divergent results. A standardized definition of procedure time is required to elucidate this relevant matter.