Home » BCS Editorials » Reducing Radial Artery Spasm
Radial artery spasm (RAS) is a commonly encountered complication with the evolution of trans-radial access as the preferred approach worldwide for cardiac catheterizations. It is believed that the reported incidences of RAS is variable between 4% and 20% during trans-radial diagnostic or interventional cardiology procedures in recent years9. However, the occurrence of problematic RAS could hinder and complicate subsequent trans-radial interventional procedures if it is not anticipated and prevented by operators in time. Thus, these editorial aims to describe methods for reducing RAS, including a simple catheter-in-guide technique, pre-medications, and choice of sheaths, for interventional cardiologists to implement during trans-radial procedures.