The Effect of Conventional and Distal Radial Access Techniques on Radial Artery Structure and Vascular Functions

Introduction: To compare radial artery (RA) diameters, intima-media thickness (IMT), and vascular functions before and after conventional and distal RA cannulation. It has been proposed that distal transradial (DTRA) cannulation can reduce RA complications. However, there has been no comparative study examining the effects of DTR and conventional transradial (CTRA) intervention on RA structure and function. Patients and Methods: Radial artery diameter, IMT, flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) response were measured using conventional and Doppler RA ultrasonography before, and one day and one month after the procedure in patients who underwent CTRA or DTRA. Results: While baseline and first-day IMT values were similar between the groups, first-month IMT values in the CTRA group were found to be significantly increased compared to those in the DTRA group (CTRA= 0.39 ± 0.10 mm, DTRA= 0.32 ± 0.07 mm, p= 0.016). While proximal RA occlusion developed in three patients who underwent CTRA, it did not develop in any of the patients undergoing DTRA (p= 0.072). Conclusion: In patients who underwent CTRA, RA IMT increased significantly in the first month after the procedure, compared to patients who underwent DTRA. Proximal RAO was not observed in any of the patients who underwent DTRA.