Effect of Introducer Length on the Rate of Radial Artery Occlusion During Endovascular Coronary Procedures

The transradial approach for coronary angiography and interventions is increasingly utilized around the world. Radial artery occlusion is the most common significant complication after transradial catheterization, with incidence varying between 1% and 10%. Endothelial injury of the radial artery and decrease in blood flow after sheath and catheter insertion appear to contribute to thrombus formation and are predisposing factors for radial artery occlusion. Procedural factors can predict and influence radial artery occlusion incidence. Sheath size and its relation to radial artery diameter, as well as the utilization of specific pharmacological agents (such as anticoagulants and vasodilators) have been studied. But, impact of Introducer sheath length on the rate of a radial artery occlusion has not been studied. The investigators suggest that, longer introducer sheath sizes can prevented the vascular damage and a pro-thrombotic environment.