OBJECTIVES: To study an alternative strategy for the treatment of radial artery occlusion (RAO) using balloon angioplasty and intrathrombus administration of abciximab. BACKGROUND: RAO is a well-described complication of transradial procedures. The optimal method to restore the patency of the radial artery following its occlusion remains unclear. Spontaneous recanalization can occur in some patients and systemic anticoagulation can be recommended but is often unsuccessful. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients in our database from 2009 to 2013 with RAO who underwent treatment with balloon angioplasty and intra-arterial abciximab administered directly at the site of occlusion. RESULTS: Four patients with symptomatic RAO following transradial catheterization were treated with balloon angioplasty and a 90-second intrathrombus infusion of abciximab. All procedures were successful and patency was documented the following day with duplex sonography and again at follow-up (mean 189 days). The patients also remained free of symptoms at follow-up. The fifth patient was treated with balloon angioplasty alone. This patient suffered symptomatic reocclusion of the radial artery. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon angioplasty and intrathrombus administration of abciximab via a catheter appears to be a safe, effective, and durable technique for reestablishing the patency of an occluded radial artery following transradial catheterization. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings and establish the role for this technique in an algorithm for treatment of RAO.
OBJECTIVES: To study an alternative strategy for the treatment of radial artery occlusion (RAO) using balloon angioplasty and intrathrombus administration of abciximab. BACKGROUND: RAO is a well-described complication of transradial procedures. The optimal method to restore the patency of the radial artery following its occlusion remains unclear. Spontaneous recanalization can occur in some patients and systemic anticoagulation can be recommended but is often unsuccessful. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients in our database from 2009 to 2013 with RAO who underwent treatment with balloon angioplasty and intra-arterial abciximab administered directly at the site of occlusion. RESULTS: Four patients with symptomatic RAO following transradial catheterization were treated with balloon angioplasty and a 90-second intrathrombus infusion of abciximab. All procedures were successful and patency was documented the following day with duplex sonography and again at follow-up (mean 189 days). The patients also remained free of symptoms at follow-up. The fifth patient was treated with balloon angioplasty alone. This patient suffered symptomatic reocclusion of the radial artery. CONCLUSIONS:Balloon angioplasty and intrathrombus administration of abciximab via a catheter appears to be a safe, effective, and durable technique for reestablishing the patency of an occluded radial artery following transradial catheterization. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings and establish the role for this technique in an algorithm for treatment of RAO.
Authors: Jun Sik Kang; Tae Rim Lee; Won Chul Cha; Tae Gun Shin; Min Seob Sim; Ik Joon Jo; Keun Jeong Song; Joong Eui Rhee; Yeon Kwon Jeong Journal: Clin Exp Emerg Med Date: 2014-12-31