RADIAL ARTERY PATENCY FOLLOWING TRANSRADIAL INTERVENTION AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL PESHAWAR KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

The current study was conducted to evaluate radial artery patency following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed through the transradial approach in a tertiary care hospital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The transradial approach has grown in considerable acceptance in recent years because of its practical rewards over the transfemoral route. In addition to providing greater comfort to patients, it is associated with fewer access-site complications and allows earlier mobilization after the procedure. The findings of this study verified suitable radial artery patency rates after PCI, indicating that the transradial approach can be used effectively without significantly compromising vascular integrity. A low frequency of bleeding-related complications was also observed, further supporting the safety of this access technique in routine clinical practice. Most participants included in the study were male, a finding that is consistent with the higher prevalence of coronary artery disease reported among men in many populations. Age-related differences were also noted during data analysis. Advancing age is commonly associated with structural changes in blood vessels, including increased arterial stiffness and reduced elasticity. These factors may influence the ease of arterial access and procedural outcomes. Although older patients may present additional technical challenges, the results of the present study suggest that successful transradial intervention can still be achieved across different age groups when appropriate procedural measures are followed. The findings also draw attention to anatomical variations among female patients. Smaller radial artery diameter may increase the likelihood of vasospasm and make vascular access more challenging in some cases. Careful patient assessment before the procedure and appropriate selection of equipment may help reduce these difficulties. Consideration of individual patient characteristics remains important for optimizing procedural success and minimizing complications. Overall, the results of this study support the continued use of the transradial approach for coronary interventions. Its favorable safety profile, combined with high radial artery patency rates and reduced bleeding complications, makes it a reliable option for PCI. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting transradial access as an effective alternative to the transfemoral approach in contemporary interventional cardiology practice.