Periprocedural intermittent contralateral arm ischaemia facilitates radial artery puncture and prevents radial artery spasm.

BACKGROUND

Transradial access (TRA) is a common technique used for diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. However, there are some challenges and risks of complications. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of periprocedural intermittent ischaemia of the contralateral arm on TRA and radial artery spasm.

METHODS

We enrolled 80 patients with an indication for coronary angiography between December 2017 and June 2018. The patients were randomly grouped into two cohorts: intermittent contralateral arm ischaemia (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups.

RESULTS

The radial artery puncture success ratio was higher in the intermittent contralateral arm ischaemia group than in the control group (p = 0.025). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, intermittent contralateral arm ischaemia was significantly associated with radial artery puncture success (hazard ratio: 8.261, 95% confidence interval: 1.427-47.823, p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

Periprocedural intermittent contralateral arm ischaemia increased the radial intervention success due to the remote ischaemic preconditioning, vasodilator factors and autonomic nervous system role.