Effect of Transradial Catheterisation on Patency Rates of Radial Arteries Used as a Conduit for Coronary Bypass.

Background: Transradial catheterisation is known to be associated with occlusion of the radial artery with an estimated incidence of 2-10% (1). There are very few studies looking at the patency of radial artery as a bypass graft after utilisation for catheterisation.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) utilising a radial artery graft.

Results: Long term patency rates were 59% in radial artery grafts utilised for catheterisation prior to CABG, compared to 78% if it were not (p= 0.035).

Conclusion: Patency rates of radial artery grafts are significantly lower when the same radial artery was utilised for angiography prior to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).