[The radial artery as an approach to diagnostic coronary angiography]

Radial artery canulation is described as a way of diagnostic coronary angiography or coronary angioplasty. Because of the small diameter of the radial artery and the varying arterial perfusion of the hand we suggest some points to reduce the interventional risk. The perfusion of the hand should not depend on the radial artery demonstrated by Doppler or duplex-sonographic investigation. After canulation a local angiography of the punctured radial artery is useful to prove the correct position of the canule and to demonstrate the perfusion of the hand. If there is an ischemia of the hand after instrumentation a decanulation is not the first choice in every case. The perforation in the radial artery limits an intraarterial lysis which may be the adequate therapy.