Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Radial Artery Injuries Caused by Trans-Radial Access

Many heart procedures are now performed through the radial artery at the wrist — a technique called trans-radial access — rather than through larger vessels elsewhere in the body. This approach is generally safer and more comfortable for patients, but the artery can sometimes be damaged during the procedure. This study is using a small imaging catheter inside the artery — called optical coherence tomography (OCT) — to take detailed pictures of the radial artery before and after the procedure, looking for signs of injury. The goal is to understand where injuries occur along the artery and whether the sheath used during the procedure helps protect it. Researchers will also look at patient characteristics to see who may be at higher risk of injury — information that could guide how procedures are planned for people who might need their radial artery for future surgeries, such as bypass surgery. You may be eligible if you are having a planned coronary procedure via radial access at Austin Health or John Hunter Hospital and are willing to have the OCT assessment done at the same time. People with advanced kidney disease or those arriving with a heart attack and urgent need for intervention will not be eligible, as the slight delay required for imaging would pose unacceptable risk.