Radial catheterization complications

Associate Editor-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.; Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Complications of radial catheterization

 * 1) Local pain and swelling
 * 2) Thrombosis
 * 3) Embolization
 * 4) Hematoma leading to compartment syndrome
 * 5) Infection
 * 6) Pseudoaneurysm
 * 7) Blood loss
 * 8) Vasospasm
 * 9) Limb ischemia
 * 10) Arteriovenous fistula
 * 11) Cerebral embolization
 * 12) Peripheral neuropathy

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used by Yonetsu et al to define the damage to the radial artery in 73 arteries of 69 patients. 32% of patients developed intimal tears and 16% of patients developed medial dissections. Repeat catheterization was associated with increased fibro-intimal hyperplasia. Cardiac catheterization via the radial approach may render the radial artery unsuitable for coronary artery bypass grafting. There can be a loss of pulse in about 4% of cases. Use of smaller guide catheters and sheathless guides may potentially reduce the risk of these complications.