Aims: The present analysis of the Use of Different Diagnostic Catheters in trans-Radial coronary angiography Trial (UDDC-Radial-Trial) sought to compare the performance of one-catheter concepts (OCC) using Tiger II or BLK catheters with two-catheter concepts (TCC) using standard Judkins catheters for transradial coronary angiography in different patient subgroups.

Methods: The randomized UDDC-Radial-Trial enrolled a total of 300 patients planed for coronary angiography in a 2:1 ratio to either OCC by Tiger II (n=100) and BLK (n=100) or TCC by Judkins (n=100) catheters. Subgroups stratified for age and gender were analyzed with regards to the primary endpoint defined as time required for a complete coronary angiography.

Results: In male subjects time for coronary angiography was significantly shorter for subjects randomized to TCC group compared to those subjects in the OCC group (510±37 sec vs. 615±35 sec; p=0.046). In contrast no difference between both radial catheter concepts was observed in the subset of female patients (525±34 sec vs. 583±54 sec; p=0.43) (Figure 1). With respect to age, TCC was associated with markedly shorter coronary angiography time in younger patients (aged below study specific median <71 years) compared to OCC (462±23 sec vs. 570±38 sec; p=0.018). In older patients (≥71 years of age) no significant difference was detected for TCC vs. OCC (573±41 sec vs. 636±45 sec; p=0.31) (Figure 2). Other predefined biometrical study subgroups including patient height, weight and body mass index showed no differences in angiography time between the investigated catheter concepts.