Impact of an extension tube on operator radiation exposure during coronary procedures performed through the radial approach.

Background: Operator radiation exposure is high during coronary procedures. The radial access decreases the rate of local vascular complications but increases operator radiation exposure. As the X-ray exposure is related to the distance between the operator and the radiation source, the use of an extension tube between the proximal part of the coronary catheter and the 'injection device' might decrease operator radiation exposure.

Prevention of arterial spasm during percutaneous coronary interventions through radial artery: the SPASM study.

Aims: Radial artery spasm remains the major limitation of transradial approach for percutaneous coronary interventions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of vasodilators in the prevention of radial artery spasm during percutaneous coronary interventions.

Methods And Results: 1,219 patients were consecutively randomized to receive placebo (n = 198), molsidomine 1 mg (n = 203), verapamil 2.