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.
Author Heartbeat Sub-Editor: Dr Khin Kay Kay Kyaw I am currently working as cardiology specialist registrar ST6 at southwest peninsula region while also working as
Author Sub-editor: Dr Pok-Tin Tang Dr Pok-Tin Tang is an ST5 cardiology registrar in the Thames Valley deanery, currently undertaking a period of out of
Author Sub-editor: Dr May Hu Dr May Hu is a cardiology trainee in the North West deanery. She graduated with First Class Honours from the University
Author Sub-editor: Dr Jhiamluka Solano Dr Jhiamluka Solano is a cardiology resident doctor (ST6) in the Yorkshire and Humber Deanery, currently undertaking a DPhil (PhD)