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Novel treatment of severe radial artery spasm using "homemade sheathless technique": A case report
Zaiyong Zhang1,2,3, Qiang Xie1,2
1Department of Cardiology, Panyu Central Hospital.
Rationale:
Transradial access (TRA) is common for cardiac catheterization, but radial artery spasm (RAS) is suggested to be highlighted. Severe radical artery spasm could be solved by a relative novel approach called "sheathless technique," using a Tiger diagnostic catheter.
Patient Concerns:
A 73-year-old woman presented to our institution with a recurrent feeling of discomfort in her chest. Her electrocardiogram showed ST segment depression. Her medical history indicated arterial hypertension, diabetes, and chronic renal failure. She was on hemodialysis for 5 years for the management of renal problems. Five stents were implanted from femoral access in another hospital via 2 percutaneous coronary interventions. The patient agreed to angiography this time and wanted a more comfortable solution.
Diagnosis:
Recurrent exertional angina was confirmed based on the chief complaint, electrocardiogram, and history.
Interventions:
After a successful radial artery puncture, a 6F arterial sheath pipe and a 5F Tiger diagnostic ductus could only advance slightly because of the RAS. Glonoin and verapamil functioned with the help of the radial sheath, and systemic nitroglycerin was applied later but had a negative outcome. Warm covers were positioned on the antebrachium, but no relief was reported.The "homemade sheathless technique" was applied. The 5F tube was held, and the 6F sheath was withdrawn. A blade was used to damage the sheath in reverse, and the excess sheath tube was removed.
Outcomes:
The diagnostic catheter was successfully advanced to the ascending aorta, enabling left main and right coronary engagement and angiography. No significant coronary lesion was observed. The patient was discharged 3 days after angiography. Moreover, no complications were observed. A follow-up for 1 month after discharge also showed no complications.
Lessons:
Severe RAS causing failure of TRA is frequent in the transradial catheterization procedure. The sheathless technique may be useful in relieving spasm when other measures fail.
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