Recently the percutaneous transradial approach for coronary angiography, transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary stention were reported but there was no report in Korea. So we tested the safety and efficacy of the transradial appreach for coronary angiography in Korean.

Eleven patients(male 9, female 2, mean age 59.3 yeal old)with chest pain underwent percutaneous transradial coronary angiography with 5 french multipurpose catheter. We evaluated clinical efficacy and observed complication of percutaneous transradial coronary angiography by physical examination and DOpple ultrasonography of puncture site of radial artery.

Right coronary angiography and left ventriculography were performed successfully in all cases, but left coronary angiogrphy was failed in three cases. In another three cases, the patient complained of arm pain which was aggravated during manipulation of the catheter. After the procedure, it took 10.3 minutes to stop the bleeding at the puncture site, Clinically significant complications were not observed after the procedure. The patients were not restricted to bed at all since the completion of the procedure.

In our limited dexperience, percutaneous transradial coronary angiography could be performend on the outpatient basis without significant complications.