U.S. experience of transradial coronary stenting utilizing Palmaz-Schatz stents

Transradial coronary stenting has been associated with a low frequency of vascular complications and shortened hospital length of stay, but few reports of safety and feasibility are available. To determine the safety and efficacy of transradial coronary stenting, our initial experience in 38 patients was reviewed. Palmaz-Schatz stents hand-mounted on Predator (Cordis Corp., Miami Lakes, FL) balloons were delivered through 6 Fr guide catheters. In 1 of 38 patients (3%) radial access could not be achieved. Fifty-five stents were implanted in 44 lesions (3 total occlusion, 18 type A, 19 type B, 9 type C, National Heart Lung Blood Institute Classification). Access time was 7.7 +/- 4.6 min. Procedural success was achieved in 36 patients (97%). In one patient, a stent could not be delivered to a distal circumflex lesion due to marked proximal tortuosity and calcification. Poststenting residual stenosis was 0 +/0 10%. No access-related complications occurred. One patient had stent thrombosis and required repeat angioplasty and stenting. We conclude that transradial coronary stenting is both feasible and safe with a low risk of access complications and with excellent procedural results.