Introduction In recent decades, trans radial access (TRA) through the proximal radial artery
has become the standard access site for performing diagnostic and therapeutic coronary
procedures, its advantages over trans femoral access being demonstrated through multiple
studies. such as reduction in access site complications and even reduction in mortality,
especially in higher-risk patients.
There are circumstances in which anatomical variants can limit the clinical benefits of TRA,
generating complications such as radial artery occlusion (RAO), which is by far the most
frequent complication of this access, with a higher incidence at 24 h and recanalization
after 30 days in 50% of patients. The presence of RAO limits access to future procedures, if
necessary. The incidence of RAO reported in experienced centers remains high.
Distal Radial Access (DRA) through the anatomical snuffbox of the hand is a technique that
has emerged in recent years and has been consolidated in multiple multicenter studies and
meta-analyses to obtain arterial access in patients undergoing coronary angiography. and
coronary intervention, which reduces the incidence of RAO, in addition to reducing hemostasis
times, favoring patient and operator comfort compared to TRA.
DRA requires a slightly higher learning curve than TRA due to certain anatomical
characteristics, such as the size of the distal radial artery, its depth, the presence of
tortuosities, and the specific anatomical structures surrounding it. The DRA technique
initially described was based on anatomical references (conventional puncture), however, the
introduction of ultrasound as a puncture tool allows the operator to identify the size and
course of the artery, in addition to a better assessment of the anatomy of the artery. area,
thus avoiding injuries to them.
Most of the registries and clinical trials conducted to date are single centers, so the
conduct of collaborative studies is of interest to determine the usefulness of different
types of arterial access in coronary procedures.
OBJECTIVES Compare the clinical and procedural characteristics of patients undergoing
diagnostic or therapeutic coronary procedures using DRA.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
- Determine the success rate of DRA and measure the incidence of RAO.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES
Compare the clinical (such as sex, age, weight, etc.) and anatomical characteristics
(size of the proximal and distal radial artery size, depth of the distal radial artery)
of patients with DRA.
Compare the time spent obtaining arterial access using DRA.
Assess the characteristics of the DRA procedure.
Assess the usefulness of ultrasound evaluation of the radial artery prior to DRA and
US-guided DRA.
Investigate the predictors of failure for DRA.
Calculate the incidence of local complications related to DRA, radial spasm, puncture
site hematoma, RAO, and presence of pseudoaneurysm of the radial artery.
Assess the operator's and patient comfort based on access.
STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort of patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic coronary
intervention, performed at the University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova in Lleida and open to
other centers.