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Effectiveness of ulnar artery catheterization after failed attempt to cannulate a radial artery

Thomas J Lanspa1, Mark A Williams, Rick L Heirigs

  • 1Division of Cardiology of Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68131, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|June 14, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Transradial artery catheterization can fail, but using the ulnar artery approach offers a successful alternative. This study investigated failure mechanisms and confirmed the ulnar artery

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Access

Background:

  • Transradial artery catheterization is a common approach for coronary procedures.
  • Access site failure can limit the usefulness of the transradial approach.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms of failure in transradial artery catheterization.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of the ipsilateral ulnar artery approach as an alternative.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 12 patients with failed radial artery cannulation.
  • Hand angiograms performed via the ulnar sheath to assess anatomy and blood supply.
  • Subsequent ipsilateral ulnar artery catheterization for all patients.

Main Results:

  • Identified various mechanisms leading to radial artery cannulation failure.
  • Confirmed adequate hand perfusion through alternative routes in all cases.
  • Successfully completed all 12 procedures using the ulnar artery approach.

Conclusions:

  • The ipsilateral ulnar artery approach is a reliable alternative when transradial access fails.
  • Understanding failure mechanisms aids in selecting alternative vascular access sites.
  • Ulnar artery access ensures successful completion of coronary procedures despite radial artery issues.

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