Gender differences in the distal radial artery diameter for the snuffbox approach

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Vascular Access

Background:

• The snuffbox approach for coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is gaining traction among interventional cardiologists.
• Limited data exists on gender-based differences in distal radial artery (RA) diameter, a crucial factor for vascular access procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential gender disparities in the diameter of the distal radial artery.
• To assess the implications of these differences on the success rates of the snuffbox approach for CAG and PCI.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 117 patients undergoing CAG or PCI via the left snuffbox approach was studied.
• Distal radial artery angiography was performed on 101 patients (69 men, 32 women).
• Demographic and clinical characteristics, including blood pressure, BMI, and left ventricular function, were analyzed for gender differences.

Main Results:

• The average distal RA diameter was 2.57 mm; women exhibited significantly smaller diameters (2.40 mm) compared to men (2.65 mm) (p=0.016).
• CAG via the 6 Fr sheath snuffbox approach was successful in all patients.
• While women had a lower success rate (84.2%) than men (91.1%), the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.264).

Conclusions:

• Females possess significantly smaller distal radial artery diameters than males.
• The success rate of the distal RA approach in the snuffbox technique tends to be higher in men compared to women.