In plain language
In a randomized trial of 1,493 diagnostic coronary angiograms, patient radiation dose was similar with femoral, left radial and right radial access, but operators received a slightly higher median dose with left radial access.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Randomized trial
- Who was studied
- Patients, Interventional cardiologists
- Size
- n = 1,493 patients
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Left radial access was associated with higher median operator exposure than femoral or right radial access.
Key figures: Left radial access (LRA) 3 mrem [interquartile range (IQR) 2 to 5], p = 0.001 vs. FA, p = 0.0001 vs. Right radial access (RRA); FA 2 mrem [IQR 2 to 4]
Patient air kerma did not differ significantly among femoral, left radial and right radial access.
Key figures: medians FA 421 mGy, LRA 454 mGy, RRA 483 mGy, p = 0.146
Dose-area product did not differ significantly among access sites.
Key figures: medians FA 25.5, LRA 26.6, RRA 27.7 Gy cm(2), p = 0.40
Fluoroscopy time was similar across access sites.
Key figures: median 1.3 min FA and LRA, 1.32 min RRA, p = 0.19
Limits to keep in mind
Single tertiary center, diagnostic angiography only; operator dose differences are small in absolute terms and measured per procedure by dosimeter rather than as health outcomes. Abstract only, so dosimeter placement and operator details are not described.
Related research summaries
- Two Central Nervous System Tumors in One Catheter Lab: Time to Rethink Radiation Protection (2026, Retrospective cohort study)
- Factors Contributing To Radiation Dose For Patients And Operators During Diagnostic Cardiac Angiography (2018, Retrospective cohort study)
- Operator radiation exposure during transradial coronary angiography: Effect of single vs. double catheters (2017, Randomized trial)
- Reduction of radiation exposure during complex interventions for chronic total coronary occlusions: Implementing low dose radiation protocols without affecting procedural success rates (2017, Retrospective cohort study)
- Determinants of operator and patient radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization: Insights from the RadiCure (RADIation reduction during cardiac catheterization using real-timE monitoring) trial (2015, Randomized trial)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.