The use of the radial artery following transradial catheterization-A word of caution

The radial artery: Results and technical considerations

“…There is evidence to suggest that transradial catheterization results in endothelial vasomotor dysfunction that may last for several months and could adversely affect graft patency . Caution should be exercised when considering the use of these conduits for CABG …”

Optimal management of radial artery grafts in CABG: Patient and target vessel selection and anti-spasm therapy

“…In a meta‐analysis involving patients undergoing cardiac catheterization using the RA, Antonopoulus et al found that trans radial artery catheterization impaired endothelium‐dependent vasodilation of the RA and this persisted even after 3 months . This has raised concerns that surgeons should avoid using the RA as coronary grafts following any instrumentation including its cannulation in arterial blood pressure monitoring . While data regarding long‐term patency of the cannulated RA is mixed, there is enough evidence to suggest that caution is needed when selecting these conduits for use during CABG.…”

Radial arteriovenous fistula following coronary angiography

“…The radial artery is now commonly used for cardiac catheterization and has been found to result in endothelial dysfunction which may limit the use of that artery as a conduit for coronary bypass surgery . We now report images of another long‐term complication of radial artery catheterization.…”