The brachial approach for intracoronary stent implantation.

Aggressive anticoagulation after intracoronary stent implantation leads to an increased incidence of femoral hematomas and vascular complications. Out of 74 Medtronic Wiktor stent implantations, six were performed via right brachial artery cut-down. All six attempts were successful without stent closure, bleeding or vascular complications. We feel that intracoronary Wiktor stent implantation via the brachial approach is feasible. The open artery repair and uninterrupted anticoagulation may be an interesting advantage.