741-6 Percutaneous Trans Radial Coronary Stenting without Coumadin can Reduce Vascular Access Complications and Hospital Stay

Benestent and Stress studies have demonstrated that the significant reduction of restenosis rate after Palmaz-Schatz stent(S) implantation of de novo lesions was associated with a longer hospital stay and a higher bleeding and vascular access complication rate due to the intensive anticoagulation. Therefore we have studied a new coronary stenting procedure using a 6F transradial approach and a new protocol based on antiplatelet drug combination (Aspirin=250 mg/day±Ticlopidin 500mg/day), low molecular weight heparin and no Coumadin. One hundred and nineteen patients (101 males, 18 females, with a mean age of 61.8±11.6 yrs (32–83) received 154 S in 127 vessels. Stenting was elective in 38% and non elective in 62%. No acute thrombosis occurred. Two major cardiac events were observed: one pt with low LVEF (37%1 and 3 vessel disease presented a sudden death 3 days after non elective LAD stent implantation and one pt had a non O-wave MI due to a side branch occlusion after non elective stenting. The 118 pts discharged 2.9±1.5 days (1–8 days) after procedure and 75% of them within the first 3 days.ConclusionTrans radial coronary stenting is a safe and effective procedure. This new stent delivery procedure can certainly reduce vascular access complications and hospital stay