Background
The use of radial artery access for coronary angiographic procedures is increasing in the U.S. in order to reduce risk of access-site related complications. In prior studies, however, it has been associated with increased radiation exposure due to longer procedure times. Novel image acquisition strategies using dual-axis rotational coronary angiography (DARCA) have been shown to reduce radiation exposure and contrast usage. We sought to evaluate patient-based radiation and contrast exposure associated with using a strategy of radial artery access (RA) and DARCA compared to the traditional approach of femoral artery access (FA) and conventional standard coronary angiography (SA), to determine whether the addition of DARCA to RA counteracts the increased radiation exposure of the radial approach.
Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic angiography of the native coronary arteries for a clinical indication other than ST-elevation myocardial infarction using RA and DARCA were evaluated. An age and gender matched group of patients from the same time period who had FA with SA was identified. A retrospective review of the medical record was performed, and radiation exposure, fluoroscopy time, and total contrast use were compared between the two groups.
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