Feasibility of transradial approach of coronary intervention for elderly patients with coronary heart diseases

AIM: To evaluate the safety and effect of transradial approach for coronary intervention (TRI) in elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: Three hundred and eighty elderly CHD patients (>70 years old) treated with coronary intervention in Bethune International Peace Hospital from January 2005 to July 2008 were divided into transradial group (TRI, n=190) and transfemoral group (TF, n=190). The success rate, duration of procedure, dose of dye, local puncture site and systemic complications of the two groups were observed. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the success rate of puncture, procedure duration and dose of dye between groups (182/190 in TRI group vs. 188/190 in TFI group). However, complications at local puncture site and vagus reflex were higher in TFI group than in the TRI group. CONCLUSION: TRI approach of coronary intervention is safe and effective in elderly patients.