Distal transradial access for post-CABG coronary and surgical grafts angiography and interventions

BACKGROUND: Post-CABG coronary and grafts angiography (CGAG) and interventions (PCI) have historically been performed via classic transfemoral approach. Particularly for those with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts, left standard transradial access (lsTRA) represents a feasible alternative, with significant fewer vascular complications, but it has ergonomic disadvantage for the operator because of the need to bend over the patients, especially in obese ones. Distal transradial access (dTRA) may provide important advantages, including shorter hemostasis and greater patient and operator comfort, mainly for left dTRA (ldTRA). We aim to describe the feasibility and safety of right and left dTRA for post-CABG CGAG and PCI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From February 2019 to April 2021, 111 consecutive post-CABG patients submitted to CGAG and/or PCI via dTRA have been enrolled. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 67.6 years old. Most were male (88.3%) and had chronic coronary syndromes (61.3%). Overall, 35.1% had acute coronary syndromes. Distal RA was successfully punctured in all 111 patients, always without ultrasound guidance. All procedures involving LIMA grafts were done via ipsilateral ldTRA. We had only 5 (4.5%) access site crossovers. Successful dTRA sheath insertion was then achieved in 95.5% of all patients, mostly (74.8%) via ldTRA and with standard 6Fr sheath (99.1%). Distal and proximal RA pulses were palpable in all patients at hospital discharge. No major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and no major complications related to dTRA were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: dTRA for routine post-CABG CGAG and PCI by experienced transradial operators appears to be feasible. Further randomized and larger trials are needed to assure clinical benefits and safety of this new technique.