Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Transradial Access Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Published on: September 20, 2020
An Observational Study Assessing the Predictors of Procedural Failure From the Radial Approach: Is Right Radial
Johanna Jones1, Krishnaraj S Rathod2, Anne-Marie Beirne2
1Barts Interventional Group, Interventional Cardiology, Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, 2nd Floor, King George V Building, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE, United Kingdom.
Objective:
The study aimed to determine the predictors of procedural failure (coronary cannulation) in patients undergoing coronary angiography ± percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the transradial (TR) approach.
Methods:
We conducted an observational study of 20,315 consecutive patients undergoing TR angiography between 2016 and 2020. TR failure was described as inability to cannulate the coronary arteries. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of TR failure.
Results:
Out of the study population, TR failure was observed in 365 (1.8%) patients, out of which 281 (77%) crossed over successfully to the transfemoral (TF) route and 84 (23%) to left radial access (LRA). Unsuccessful procedures were most likely seen in patients who were elderly, female, BAME background, short stature or with a history of hypertension, diabetes, and renal disease. On regression analysis, age (OR: 1.024; 95% Cl: 1.014-1.035), female gender (OR: 0.729; 95% Cl: 0.555-0.957), BAME (OR: 0.786; 95% Cl: 0.612-0.959), height (OR: 0.988; 95% Cl: 0.977-0.999), hypertension (OR: 1.510; 95% Cl: 1.147-1.987) and RRA (OR: 1.977; 95% Cl: 1.105-3.538) were independent predictors of TR failure. On further analysis, these predictors of failure were not seen from the LRA approach.
Conclusion:
This study identifies that rates of TR failure are low and that predictors of failure differ between the RRA and LRA. The difference in predictors between the 2 routes suggests that in patients when coronary cannulation is unsuccessful via the RRA then the LRA could be considered as a second access site. Further study is needed to see if in selected patient groups the LRA could be used as the first-choice access route.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation

