Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography using 5 French preformed (Judkins) catheters from the percutaneous right brachial approach: a comparative analysis with the femoral approach.

This study describes a method for the performance of cardiac catheterization using 5 French preformed Judkins catheters from a percutaneous right brachial approach, and compares that technique to the more traditional percutaneous right femoral approach with 6 French catheters. One hundred consecutive patients requiring diagnostic left heart catheterization and selective coronary angiography were randomized according to femoral versus brachial arterial technique. Procedural efficiency, radiation exposure, and diagnostic film quality favored the femoral approach, while patient comfort, hemostasis time, time to ambulation, and decreased need for post-procedure nursing care favored the brachial approach. No differences were identified in complications. Cardiac catheterization from a right brachial artery percutaneous approach with 5 French preformed catheters has both advantages and disadvantages when compared with a more traditional femoral approach with 6 French catheters. Multiple factors should be considered before selecting an approach to diagnostic cardiac catheterization and each patient should be individually evaluated for determination of the optimal technique.