Impella assisted transradial coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndromes and cardiogenic shock: Case series.

Bell BP, Iqtidar AF, Pyne CT.

Abstract
Operators may feel apprehension when considering the transradial approach in patients with cardiogenic shock due to concerns of the need for femoral access for mechanical support. There is however potential benefit of transradial approach in this setting by reducing bleeding complications in patients on potent anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents. We report 3 cases of patients with cardiogenic shock with successful transradial intervention (TRI) whilst using unilateral femoral access for Impella (ABIOMED, Danvers, Massachusetts) mechanical support. In 2 cases, the need for mechanical support was not clear at the beginning of the procedure, and in the third there was a clear need to combine femoral and radial access due to pre-existing anatomic issues. Two patients required transfusion of red blood cells but otherwise there were no vascular access complications.

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2011 Apr 26. [Epub ahead of print]