Heparin vs Placebo for Cardiac Catheterization

A Randomized Trial of Heparin vs Placebo in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization Via the Trans-radial Approach

Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization will be randomized to 3 groups: no anticoagulant, low dose anticoagulant and high dose anticoagulant.

Patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization via the trans-radial approach will be randomly allocated (1:1:1) to receive either low-dose UFH (25 IU/Kg -maximal dose 3,000 IU), high-dose UFH 50 IU/kg -maximal dose 5,000 IU) or N/S 0.9%. After 30 minutes, patients will undergo a gradual wrist band release. Hematoma and radial artery occlusion will be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnostic cardiac catheterization; Small size sheath; patency of the ulno-palmar circulation

Exclusion Criteria:

abnormal ulno-palmar circulation; Prior radial artery thrombosis; Prior surgery close to the access site; Emergent cardiac catheterization; History of HIT or allergy to heparin; Patients requiring anticoagulation