Radial Artery Anomalies and their Implications to Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Abstract

Transradial approach (TRA) today becomes a golden standard for percutaneous coronary interventions worldwide. TRA is generally associated with certain learning curve and sometimes radial artery anomalies (RAA) can be important cause of TRA failure. RAA include high bifurcating origin of the radial artery (high take-off radial artery), radial artery loop, tortuosity, hypoplasia and stenosis. In most cases, these anomalies can be overcome by using hydrophilic guiding wire and diagnostic 5F Judkins right catheter, sometimes 0,014” hydrophilic coronary wire. RAA are not uncommon in general population. In most cases they can be easily traversed with thoroughly selected steps and material especially by dedicated radial operators in high-volume TRA center, but sometimes they can be a reason for procedural failure.