Effectiveness of a handmade "New Carotid Catheter" in transradial carotid angiography: A comparison with conventional multipurpose catheters.

Objective: The incidence and severity of carotid atherosclerosis increases in proportion with coronary artery disease and its severity. A special catheter specifically used for transradial carotid angiography has not yet been marketed. In this study, we investigate the feasibility and safety of our carotid catheter, which was made by reshaping currently available catheters.

Methods: Between 2010 and 2017, a total of 921 patients with indications for carotid angiography were identified after angiographic examinations and included in the study. Carotid angiography was performed in 403 patients (female, n = 161) using the 3.5 JL catheter, while in 518 (female, n = 207) patients, new catheters were employed. The new catheter was shaped like a hook in the laboratory with a heat gun. Demographic information and angiographic data from the patients in both groups were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: The baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable. When compared with the use of a 3.5 JL catheter, right transradial carotid angiographies performed with our new handmade catheter resulted in lesser amounts of opaque material used (55 mL vs 66 mL, P < 0.001) and shorter total fluoroscopy time, (3.60 ± 1.85 min vs 3.14 ± 1.55 min, P < 0.001). The handmade catheter also resulted in a higher success rate of selective visualization (97% vs 40%, P < 0.001). Rates of minor complication were comparable between the two catheters (6.5% vs 6.6% P = 234). Neither permanent damage nor morbidity or mortality was observed in either arm.

Discussion: Currently available catheters and methods are inadequate for routine transradial carotid angiography. For routine transradial carotid angiography, innovatively designed catheters are required. The catheter we developed for transradial carotid angiography was more successful than the conventional catheter in obtaining satisfactory images. High quality images can be obtained with the newly designed catheters.

Conclusion: Transradial carotid angiography can be performed using our newly developed carotid catheter. The carotid arteries of patients with widespread coronary artery disease can be visualized, while asymptomatic patients carrying a high risk of stroke can be treated, preventing potential stroke occurrence. In a larger-scale comparative study, the favorable contributions of routine use of the new method and a decreased frequency of stroke may be demonstrated.