Use of intra-arterial papaverine for severe arterial spasm during radial cardiac catheterization.

Coronary angiography and intervention can be performed safely using the radial artery. However, arterial spasm is often encountered and usually amenable to nitrate/verapamil therapy. Rarely, surgical intervention is required to remove catheters and wires. Intra-arterial papavarine can be used to treat severe radial artery spasm and prevent the need for urgent surgical intervention.