In plain language
In a single-centre randomised trial of 413 diagnostic coronary angiograms, operators received somewhat lower radiation doses when using left rather than right radial access. Fluoroscopy time and patient dose-area product were similar.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Randomized trial
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Patients
- Size
- n = 413 patients
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Operator radiation exposure was significantly lower with left radial access than right radial access.
Key figures: Left radial access (LRA) 33±37 μSv vs right radial access (RRA) 44±32 μSv, p=0.04
Fluoroscopy time did not differ significantly between the two access routes, though it trended lower with left radial access.
Key figures: LRA 349±231s vs RRA 370±246 s p=0.09
Dose-area product did not differ significantly between left and right radial access.
Key figures: LRA 7011.42±3617.30 μGym(2) vs RRA 7382.38±5226.61 μGym(2), p=0.80
Contrast volume was similar between groups.
Key figures: LRA 89.92±32.55 ml vs RRA 88.88±35.35 ml, p=0.45
Limits to keep in mind
Single-centre trial reported only as an abstract, with no detail on dosimeter type, placement or number of operators. Diagnostic procedures only, and the dose difference per procedure is small with wide variability.
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.