Meta‐analysis of ultrasound‐guided vs conventional vascular access for cardiac electrophysiology procedures

BACKGROUND: Vascular complications are common during invasive cardiac electrophysiology procedures. This meta‐analysis compares outcomes following ultrasound and nonultrasound‐guided vascular access for these procedures. METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane 01/01/1980‐30/09/2018 were searched for relevant studies to meta‐analyse. RESULTS: Seven studies (6269 patients) were included. Pooled rates and odds ratio(95% confidence interval) for ultrasound and nonultrasound subgroups were 1.2% vs 3.0%, 0.32 (0.21‐0.49) for all vascular complications, with less hematomas and arterial punctures but similar arteriovenous fistulas, pseudoaneurysms or retroperitoneal bleeds. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guidance had less complications due to less hematoma and arterial puncture, and is generally recommended for electrophysiology procedures.