Is Single-catheter Technique for Coronary Angiography an Optimal Tool for Beginners in Interventional Cardiology?-randomized Controlled Study TRACT 2: Transradial Coronary Angiography Trial 2

Background: Transradial coronary angiography can be performed using a dual-catheter technique (DCT) or single-catheter technique (SCT). The current study aimed to compare DxTerity SCT Ultra and the Trapease curve SCT catheters with DCT catheters in procedures performed by young, less experienced, interventional cardiologists.

Methods: For this prospective, single-blinded, randomized study 107 were enrolled and assigned to 1 of 3 groups. They underwent planned coronary angiography at the Second Department of Cardiology Jagiellonian University in Kraków. In groups 1 (n=37) and 2 (n=35), DxTerity SCT Ultra catheters and the Trapease curve were used, respectively. In control group 3 (n=35), standard DCT Judkins catheters were applied. One patient was excluded from group 2, bringing the total number of cases analysed to 106. The study endpoints comprised the percentage of optimal stability, proper ostial artery engagement, a good quality angiogram, the duration of each procedure stage, the amount of contrast and the radiation dose.

Results: The highest percentage of optimal stability was observed in group 1 for the right coronary artery (RCA): 94%, and in group 3, for the left coronary artery (LCA): 85%. The necessity to change the catheter was most common in group 2. Group 1 was characterised by a shorter total procedural time. The contrast volume was higher in group 2, while there were no differences in radiation dose.

Conclusions: SCT is at least as adequate as DCT for young cardiologists. SCT was associated with lower necessity of catheter exchange during RCA visualization. The DxTerity Ultra curve catheter allows shortening the total procedure time.