Ultrasound Guided Insertion of Sheath Before Angiography or Angioplasty

Randomized Evaluation of Traditional Versus Ultrasound Guided Insertion of Sheath Before Angiography or Angioplasty

The study evaluates whether routine use of ultrasound for sheath insertion during radial or femoral angiography or angioplasty has any impact on: number of punctures, patient discomfort, procedural length, successfull procedure or ideal vessel puncture.

A randomised study with an historical control group.

Initially data on prespecified endpoints are collected for an historical control group of 200 patients (100 radial and 100 femoral procedures). Hereafter 400 patients are randomized to ultrasound guided or conventional sheath insertion (200 radial and 200 femoral procedures).

Only high-volume physicians who have passed a ultrasound course are allowed to include patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients scheduled for angiography or angioplasty in whom both radial and femoral access is possible

Exclusion Criteria:

• Abnormal pulse oxymetry test
• If severe lower-extremity calcification is known to exclude femoral access