Effectiveness of the Anatomical Snuff Box Approach for Coronary Angiography: Comparative Non-inferiority Study With the Radial Arterial Approach to the Wrist

Coronary angiography is the reference examination for anatomical exploration coronary arteries to determine the presence or absence of a predominantly obstructive coronary disease.

Historically, the femoral approach was the most common approach used in interventional cardiology. The radial approach to the forearm presents multiple advantages over the femoral route, and it became the gold standard approach to coronary angiography and intervention percutaneous coronary. Although uncommon, vascular complications related to the radial pathway exist.

This is why a more distal radial approach, above the long tendon extensor of the thumb (at the level of the anatomical snuff box) or downstream (at the back of the hand) was suggested more than 10 years ago. This pathway is now an advantageous alternative to the radial approach of first intention, both for the patient and for the practitioner.

The two procedures are common today but few studies have been developed to compare the two approaches. Therefore, the main objective of the study is to assess whether the distal radial arterial approach (snuff box or back of the hand) is not inferior to the radial arterial approach at the wrist, in the management of coronary angiography for diagnostic purposes