Background:
Radial access is an increasingly common approach to coronary angiography whereby a radial artery compression device (RACD) is applied to achieve haemostasis following sheath removal. Current procedure recommends the removal of 5mL of air at 5-minutely intervals from the RACD; 45 minutes post angiogram sheath removal and 2 hours post PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) sheath removal. Haemostasis failure at the puncture site however was frequently reported and required re-insertion of air. Patients reported increased discomfort and, in 44% of elective cases, post-procedure stay was increased and discharge delayed by 30-180 minutes as a result of prolonged recovery time.
Methods:
Hospital procedure was revised to remove 3mL volume (air) at 5-minutely intervals from the RACD instead of 5mL. The RACD was also to remain untouched for 60 minutes post angiogram sheath removal and remained at 2 hours untouched post PCI sheath removal. A retrospective audit was conducted pre- and post-procedure change and included patients undergoing radial-access angiogram or PCI
Results:
A total of 258 cases were reviewed; 158 angiogram and 100 PCI. Initial volume of air used to achieve haemostasis was 10-18mLs and heparin dose administered was 2000-10,000units. Prior to procedure change, 5mL (air) was removed from the RACD and subsequently haemostasis failure occurred in 43.8% (35) of angiogram patients and 55.1% (27) of PCI patients. Following implementation of the 3mL procedure, haemostasis failure was reported in 12.8% (10) of angiogram patients and 19.6% (10) of PCI patients.
Conclusion:
Whilst total time taken to remove the RACD marginally increased, decreasing the volume of air removed from 5mL to 3mL significantly reduced the incidence of haemostasis failure. This effect was achieved without adjustment of anticoagulation dose or initial volume of air inserted into the RACD.
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