Transradial coronary intervention in Japanese patients.

The objectives of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of transradial coronary intervention (TRI) in Japanese patients. We compared the results of TRI in 1,791 lesions (1,360 patients) between November 1995 and December 1997 with those of transfemoral coronary intervention (TFI) in 966 lesions (793 patients) between April and October 1995. We also examined the radial artery pulse in 294 patients 1-2 weeks after TRI by palpation and Doppler examination. Arterial puncture, coronary artery cannulation, lesion, and patient success rates were similar in both groups. No significant difference was noted in the major complication rate. Local complications were significantly lower in the TRI group (0.3% vs. 3.3%, P < 0.001). Doppler studies of the radial artery were performed in 294 patients chosen at random. In the first 234 patients, the sheath was pulled out 3 hr after the procedure, and in the last 60 patients, immediately after the procedure; radial artery occlusion rates were 5% and 0%, respectively. In conclusion, TRI seems safe and feasible in Japanese patients.