Radial artery diameter and vasodilatory properties after transradial coronary angiography

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The radial artery is proposed as an alternative conduit in coronary revascularization. During the last years the transradial approach has, in many centers, emerged as the preferred technique in percutaneous diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures. This induces a trauma to the radial artery that possibly could influence its suitability as a bypass graft. In this study we assessed by ultrasound the long-term effects of transradial coronary angiography on the radial artery diameter and vasodilatory properties. METHODS: Thirty patients were examined with high resolution ultrasound 10 to 14 months after a transradial coronary angiography. Radial artery baseline diameter and ..