Ipsilateral radial and ulnar artery cannulation during the same coronary catheterization procedure

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Interventions
• Vascular Access Techniques
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• The femoral artery approach post-radial failure increases bleeding risk in anticoagulated patients.
• Dedicated radial operators face challenges with the femoral approach.
• Ulnar artery cannulation offers an alternative to reduce femoral access use.

Observation:

• A retrospective analysis of cardiac catheterizations from January 2015 to June 2016 was conducted.
• Nine patients who underwent initial radial approach with conversion to ipsilateral ulnar approach were evaluated.
• Sheath insertion in both radial and ipsilateral ulnar arteries was assessed.

Findings:

• Out of 4,102 procedures, 3,876 (94.5%) initially used the radial approach.
• Radial and ipsilateral ulnar artery catheterization was successfully performed in nine patients.
• No serious complications were recorded during these procedures.

Implications:

• Ipsilateral radial and ulnar artery catheterization is a feasible and safe alternative.
• This technique may reduce the need for femoral artery access.
• It provides a viable option for interventional cardiologists skilled in radial access.