Optimal TR-band weaning strategy while minimizing vascular access site complications.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nThe purpose of the study is to develop an optimal TR-Band weaning strategy while minimizing vascular access site complications of hematoma or radial artery occlusion (RAO).\n\n\nMETHODS\nThe trial was a randomized, prospective, single center study of 129 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization via the radial artery. Group A was an accelerated protocol in which weaning was initiated 20\u202fmin after sheath removal. Group B was an adjusted protocol, in which weaning was dependent on the amount of anti-platelet or anti-coagulation used. All patients underwent radial artery ultrasound to demonstrate arterial patency.\n\n\nRESULTS\nBaseline characteristics were similar in both groups, and PCI was performed in 36.7% of patients in Group A and 37.7% of patients in Group B. RAO occurred in 7.7% of patients overall, with no statistical difference between groups (Group A 5% versus Group B 10.1%, p-value\u202f=\u202f0.337). Hematoma formation >5\u202fcm in diameter occurred in 4.6% of patients in the overall cohort, without statistical difference between groups (Group A 5% versus Group B 4.3%, p-value\u202f=\u202f1). The TR-Band duration was significantly shorter in Group A compared to Group B (112.9\u202f±\u202f50.7 versus 130.7\u202f±\u202f51.1 in minutes, respectively, p-value\u202f=\u202f0.013).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nWe have demonstrated an accelerated weaning protocol is simple to utilize for nursing staff without increased vascular site complications of RAO or hematoma formation.