Complications of coronary arteriography

In a prospective study of coronary arteriography with Judkins' technique the rate of major complications in 713 patients was 2.1%, a rate similar to or lower than those reported from other studies, even though more major complications were considered in this study. No deaths occurred. Although the rate of "other" complications was noted as part of the quality care survey, it cannot be compared with that in other studies, since the latter did not consider events such as hematoma or incomplete catheterization. The low complication rate may be related to expeditious procedures, familiarity with the Judkin's technique and the operators' experience. Local quality care assessment or clinical review committees should formally evaluate the complication rates for operative and invasive procedures performed in their own institutions.