Transradial versus transfemoral coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: is transradial coronary intervention suitable for emergency PCI in high-risk acute myocardial infarction?

BACKGROUND: Data are limited regarding the clinical results of transradial coronary intervention (TRI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results of TRI and transfemoral coronary intervention (TFI) in AMI patients who had cardiogenic shock and underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Between January 1, 2006, and August 31, 2012, a total of 507 consecutive patients with AMI underwent emergency PCI within 12 hours of onset. Eighty-five patients presented with cardiogenic shock and were enrolled. Among these patients, 60 underwent TRI and 25 underwent TFI. Outcome measures included the following: major bleeding and vascular complications; major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE); all-cause death; door-to-balloon time; and PCI procedural success. RESULTS: TRI had a significantly lower rate of major bleeding and vascular complications within 30 days (6.7% vs. 28.0%; P .99). CONCLUSION: TRI is associated with fewer major bleeding and vascular complications than TFI, and it appears suitable for both low- and high-risk AMI patients, especially when AMI is complicated by cardiogenic shock.