The Predictors of Post-Procedural Arm Pain after Transradial Approach in 1706 Patients Underwent Transradial Catheterization

Background: Although patients prefer radial over femoral approach, some develop post-procedural arm pain after transradial procedures. This complication has been poorly defined in prior studies. We evaluated the extent of non-ischemic arm pain after transradial arterial access and identify variables that may be associated with this complication. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a 1706 patient database on patients who underwent transradial catheterization at three experienced radial centers. Arm pain was assessed by adult visual analogue scale (score > 4) defined as moderate to severe pain at the accessed forearm not related to hand ischemia and was evaluated at one day after the procedure. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of post-procedural arm pain. Results: The overall incidence of post-procedural arm pain one day after a transradial procedure was 4.5%. Covariate associated with post-procedural arm pain were hemostasis compression >4 h (odds ratio (OR) = 29.47, p < 0.001), radial artery occlusion by Doppler evaluation (OR = 3.35, p < 0.001), radial artery diameter < 2.8 mm (OR = 2.66, p = 0.01), and multiple puncture attempts (OR = 2.31, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Approximately 1 in 20 patients undergoing transradial procedure have post-procedural arm pain one day after the procedure. Predictors of this complication relate to radial hemostasis, radial artery occlusion, radial artery diameter, and number of access attempts.