Aims: This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of a rapid deflation technique (RDT) after transradial catheterisation to achieve patent haemostasis and to assess whether this could reduce radial artery occlusion (RAO). Ensuring patent haemostasis is the most important factor in reducing RAO. The use of larger sheath sizes and antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents limits achieving patent haemostasis immediately after transradial intervention.
Methods and results: A feasibility assessment was first performed in 105 patients to assess whether RDT could be performed safely and consistently achieve patent haemostasis after transradial catheterisation. Prospective data were then collected on 201 patients who underwent either rapid or standard deflation technique and had RAO assessment at 24 hours. Acute coronary syndrome was the indication for transradial catheterisation in 62.7% of patients. Baseline patent haemostasis increased from 40% to 95% after RDT. RAO at 24 hours was seen in two (2.0%) patients in the RDT group and 15 (14.9%) in the standard deflation group (OR 0.117; 95% CI: 0.026 to 0.526, p=0.005). Other independent predictors of RAO included body surface area (OR 0.022; 95% CI: 0.002 to 0.273, p=0.003) and male sex (OR 0.298; 95% CI: 0.108 to 0.824, p=0.020). No significant difference was found in safety outcomes: need to re-inflate compression band (2% versus 1.8%) or haematoma (0% versus 0.9%).
Conclusions: Rapid deflation of the compression band after transradial catheterisation is a safe and effective method of achieving patent haemostasis that reduces RAO.