Our experience of coronary angiography with and without heparin.

AIM: Coronary angiography is usually done with heparin. Our aim is to see whether it can be done without heparin through femoral route and its effect on local complications.

METHOD: We have studied 3780 patients from 2006 to 2010 using standard dose Heparin (5000 units), low dose heparin (2000 units) and no heparin. We have compared safety and complications in these three groups.

RESULTS

Local complications were lowest in no heparin group. Blood transfusion requirements and surgical interventions were lowest in no heparin group. Thrombosis rate did not increase in no heparin group.

CONCLUSION

Coronary angiography can be done safely without heparin through femoral route.