Radial access for percutaneous coronary procedure: relationship between operator expertise and complications.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate (1) whether the learning curve of new catheterization laboratory operators increases the incidence of complications of transradial access during percutaneous coronary interventions and (2) whether manual compression with a two-step approach is safe and efficient for radial access hemostasis.

Methods: We performed a prospective study with all consecutive patients who underwent a coronary diagnostic or intervention procedure with radial access. The primary end point was a composite of pulseless radial artery of the wrist and hematoma evaluated after 24 hours.

Clinical and procedural predictors of nurse workload during and after invasive coronary procedures: the potential benefit of a systematic radial access.

Background: Invasive coronary procedures are increasing in number and complexity over time. This trend translates in an increased need for economical and human resources, among which is nurse staffing the most affected.

Aims: To identify possible predictors of nurse workload, during and after diagnostic and interventional procedures.