Comparison of procedural times, success rates, and safety between left versus right radial arterial access in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if there are differences in procedural times, success rates, and safety between left and right radial approach (LRA and RRA, respectively) in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

BACKGROUND: Given conflicting reports of different procedural success with LRA vs. RRA, it is unclear if the side of radial access impacts in-room procedural times and success rates in primary PCI. At our institution the LRA has been commonly used in certain STEMI patients. Our clinical database was reviewed to see if routine use of the LRA could generate favorable technical success and reperfusion times as compared to the RRA.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 135 consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary PCI performed via the left and right radial approach at our institution.

RESULTS: There were 50 cases in the LRA group and 85 in the RRA group. There was no difference in median procedural times including total procedure time (LRA 53.5 mins vs. RRA 52 mins, P = 0.95), room-to-cannulation (LRA 12 min vs. RRA 13 min, P = 0.40) or room-to-balloon times (LRA 30 min vs. RRA 31 min, P = 0.74). There were no significant differences in procedural success rates (LRA 100% vs. RRA 97.6%, P = 0.27), or procedure-related complications or death between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Left and right trans-radial approach for primary PCI have similar in room procedural times, success rates, and comparable safety. Trans-radial PCI through either arm is a feasible and safe approach in patients with STEMI.