Coronary angiography using the left distal radial approach - An alternative site to conventional radial coronary angiography

OBJECTIVE: To share our experience with the left distal radial approach for transradial coronary angiography and interventions. By performing the radial puncture in the fossa radialis or the so called anatomical “Snuffbox” we aimed to present the feasibility and complications of this new technique. METHODS: Left distal radial artery was used as an access site in 54 patients admitted to our clinic for coronary angiography and intervention between May 25(th) and October 20(th) 2017. All of them had pulse in their left distal radial artery. In the laboratory, they had their left arm gently flexed at the shoulder so that the hand was placed over their right groin. The operator stood on the right side of the patient and performed coronary angiography and interventions. During the hospital stay, demographic features and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 59.3 years and 80% were male. We used Judkins 6 French catheters for the procedures. Seventeen patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome. They all underwent successful left distal transradial coronary angiography and intervention. Primary angioplasty was performed in 10 patients. In total, 20 patients had coronary intervention. Left anterior descending artery was the artery requiring most intervention (11 patients). Two patients experienced brachial spasm requiring crossover to right femoral artery. There were no cases of radial artery occlusion, hematoma, or hand numbness. The radial sheath was removed at procedure termination. Hemostasis was achieved with manual compression. CONCLUSION: Left distal radial approach is safe and feasible as a new technique for coronary angiography and interventions.