DIstal vs Proximal Radial Artery Access for Cath

Primary objective is to evaluate hand function following distal radial artery access compared to proximal artery access in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Hand function will be assessed by:

• QuickDASH questionnaire
• Hand grip test
• Thumb forefinger pinch test utilizing a pinch gauge

Secondary objectives: Vascular access success rates, hematoma, bleeding, complications of vascular access and radial artery occlusion.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years.
• The distal and proximal radial artery must be palpable and non-occlusive flow must be confirmed by (Doppler) ultrasound.
• Patient should be able to comply with the protocol.
• Provide written informed consent before study participation

Exclusion criteria

• Obligatory femoral or forearm radial access
• Previous ipsilateral forearm radial artery occlusion.
• Patient on therapeutic oral anticoagulation.
• Very large hand/wrist anatomy that will preclude using the available hemostatic radial bands.
• Enrolment in another study that competes or interferes with this study.
• Poor clinical condition like cardiogenic shock, which prohibits pre- and post-procedural function tests.
• Subject with planned complex PCI or procedure necessitating multiple intervention.
• Any other condition or co-morbidity which, in the opinion of the investigator or operator, may pose a significant hazard to the subject if he or she is enrolled in the study.
• History of stroke with residual deficit that affects hand function.
• Previous radial artery catheterization within 1 year.