Factors affecting radiation exposure during transradial cardiac catheterisation and percutaneous coronary...

To evaluate the factors affecting radiation exposure using radial access (RA) including technical aspects and clinical characteristics.

Patients (n=6,967) who underwent coronary angiography (CA) with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), performed via a right or left RA were evaluated retrospectively. Data were evaluated in two different categories: diagnostic CA group and PCI group. The primary end-points of the study were fluoroscopy time (FT), dose-area product (DAP), and air kerma (AK).

Male sex and left RA were characterised by increased DAP and AK, in both the CA and PCI groups. In the CA group, body weight, height, body surface area (BSA), left RA, and male sex were independent prognostic factors of increased radiation. In the PCI group, body weight, height, BSA, left RA, male sex, and older age were independent prognostic factors of increased radiation while older age and left RA were independent prognostic factors for increased FT.

Radial side, gender, and the physical characteristics of the patients were factors that increased radiation exposure in patients undergoing transradial coronary procedures. Therefore, these factors should be taken into account to help minimise radiation exposure for both patients and operators.