Transradial coronary angioplasty and stent implantation in acute myocardial infarction: initial experience.

Transradial coronary angioplasty and stent implantation in have been associated with reduced complications, length of stay and hospital costs when compared to the transfemoral approach. Fourteen high-risk patients with acute myocardial infarction underwent transradial coronary angioplasty and stent placement. All diagnostic and interventional procedures were successfully completed using 6 French guide catheters and ACS Tristar stents (Guidant Corporation, Santa Clara, California) up to 4 mm in diameter. Thirteen patients received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. There were no procedural or access site complications. The mean length of stay was 3.5 days and the mean time interval from initial radial cannulation compared favorably with 14 acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing transfemoral angioplasty and stent placement. Transradial angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction appears to be a safe and feasible option. The procedure time is not increased in experienced hands, and the combination of rare access site complications and early ambulation may lead to decreased morbidity and lower costs. Transradial angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction may be an attractive option in thrombolytic therapy patients (facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention) or those who require aggressive anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy.