Abstract
Background: The radial artery (RA) is often utilized for diagnostic
coronary angiography and percutaneous intervention. Recent high-level
evidence supports RA use in preference to saphenous vein as a conduit
for coronary revascularization.
Aim: To demonstrate gross and histologic changes of the RA following
transradial access.
Methods: We present two patients who had open RA harvest for coronary
bypass surgery after transradial catheterization.
Results: Examination 8 years after transradial catheterization
demonstrated thickened intima and dissection, and examination 12 years
following transradial catheterization with percutaneous coronary
intervention demonstrated chronic dissection with thickened intima and
near occlusion of the lumen.
Conclusion: Transradial access via the RA, even after several years, is
associated significant injury, making it unusable as a conduit for
surgical coronary revascularization. A RA that has been utilized for
catheterization should not be considered for coronary revascularization.