Why carry out this study?

This is a multicenter trial to investigate the feasibility and safety in performing a coronary angiography or intervention via distal radial access in the area of the anatomical snuffbox

Hypothesis: The use of distal radial access leads to a very low rate of radial artery occlusion and can be performed with a high puncture and procedural success

What was learned from the study?

In a total number of 327 patients ultrasound examination revealed a very low rate of radial artery occlusion (1%). We observed a high cannulation success rate (95%) and a low rate of complications

Coronary angiography and interventions via distal radial access can be performed with a high rate of success and safety. This data underscores the proposed low rate of radial artery occlusion, which might prove to be a benefit compared with conventional proximal access