Feasibility and Safety of Early Repeat Transradial Access Within 30 Days of Previous Coronary Angiography and Intervention.

Transradial approach (TRA) is the default access site for diagnostic angiography and intervention in many centers. Repeat ipsilateral radial artery access late after index procedure has been associated with failures. It is unknown whether early (≤30 days) and very early (<24 hours) repeat radial access is technically feasible and safe.

Comparison of radiation exposure during transradial diagnostic coronary angiography with single- or multi-catheters approach.

Objective: To compare radiation exposure during transradial diagnostic coronary angiography (DCA) using standard single- or multi-catheters with different shapes.

Background: Transradial DCA can be performed using single- or multi-catheters to canulate left and right coronary ostia. To date, it remains unknown whether there are differences in radiation exposure between the two strategies.

Meta-Analysis of Effects of Bivalirudin Versus Heparin on Myocardial Ischemic and Bleeding Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Bivalirudin is an alternative to unfractionated heparin (UFH) anticoagulation during percutaneous coronary intervention. Previously, we have reported clinical benefit on major bleeding in favor of bivalirudin compared with UFH monotherapy but inconclusive results on mortality. Controversial data have been reported in the last 2 years.

Efficacy and safety of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump use in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) can be used prior to coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in high-risk patients. Whether this technique remains safe and effective in contemporary practice is controversial.

Objective: We have completed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and observational studies to evaluate the safety and benefits of IABP prior to CABG surgery.

The Transradial Approach and Antithrombotic Therapy: Rationale and Outcomes.

This article reviews antithrombotic strategies for percutaneous coronary interventions according to the access site and the current evidence with the aim of limiting ischemic complications and preventing radial artery occlusion (RAO). Prevention of RAO should be part of the quality control of any radial program. The incidence of RAO postcatheterization and interventions should be determined initially using the echo-duplex and then frequently assessed using the more cost-effective pulse oximetry technique.