Proximal radial artery (PRA) access is recommended for cardiac catheterization . However, it can cause radial artery (RA) occlusion and thus blocks future artery access. In contrast, distal radial artery (DRA) access in the anatomical snuffbox is considered to preserve the RA, with good short-term outcomes. However, the long-term safety of DRA access and its impact on hand function is not well-studied. Now, for the first time, researchers compared DRA and PRA accesses for cardiac catheterization in 300 patients and tested their hand function at year 1.
Failed access (6 vs. 2) and RA occlusion (2 vs. 1) were reported in both DRA and PRA groups. Importantly, no significant differences in hand function, hand and pinch grips , and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were found between DRA and PRA groups at year 1. The study confirmed the long-term safety of…
