Randomized Trial of Short vs Ultra Short Radial Artery Clamp Time Post Trans-radial Cardiac Catheterization

Introduction: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is a known complication following transradial cardiac catheterization. A shorter duration of radial clamp time post procedure may reduce this risk. However, rapid clamp release may be associated with more bleeding. Hypothesis: Shorter duration of clamp placement is associated with reduction in RAO without increase in bleeding. Methods: We randomized 568 patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the radial approach to 2 groups: 20 minutes and 60 minutes of clamp duration. Patients had the clamp placed for maximal pressure that allowed patent hemostasis. After 20 or 60 minutes, pressure was reduced gradually over 20 minutes. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients with RAO post clamp removal. Secondary outcome was bleeding. Patients who lived within a reasonable driving distance were requested to come for 1 week follow-up. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Age 64.3...