Routine Transradial Coronary Angiography in the Malaysian Population

The feasibility and safety of routine transradial coronary angiography was assessed prospectively in 394 patients between March 1998 and July 1999. All patients had a normal Allen's test. The right radial approach was used in 84% of cases and the left in 16%. Radial artery catheterization was successful in 91% of patients; the left coronary artery was selectively catheterized in 92%, and the right coronary artery in 91%. Procedure time was 28 ± 20 minutes, screening time was 8 ± 5 minutes, and 62% of patients were discharged on the same day. The optimal catheter selection was a single Castillo catheter for both coronary arteries. Left ventriculography was performed with the same catheter in 25% of patients. One patient had a left Judkins catheter that kinked and became entrapped in the right subclavian artery, requiring vascular surgery. No coronary or neurological complications were observed. Asymptomatic radial occlusion occurred in 3.5% of patients. The transradial approach was considered to give a high degree of success and an acceptable complication rate in this patient population.