A study looking at factors that affect the radial artery during a radial artery procedure (RAD)
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This study is looking at how the radial artery expands when you have a radial artery procedure.
It is open to people who are having this procedure done at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust as part of their routine care.
More about this trial
An artery is a 
that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body. The radial artery is the main artery in the hand and wrist. During a radial artery procedure, a doctor puts a tube (catheter) into the radial artery, usually in your wrist. Doctors use this procedure to diagnose and treat some medical conditions, including cancer.
A specialist doctor called an carries out the procedure. They use an machine to make sure the tube is in the correct place.
Another way to carry out procedures using an artery is to use an artery in your groin. This is called the transfemoral artery. Previous research suggests that using the radial artery instead may result in fewer side effects. It might also be more cost effective for the NHS. But doctors don’t know if the radial artery can be used for all the procedures that use the transfemoral artery. To find this out, the researchers want to better understand how the radial artery expands during the radial artery procedure. The team will also collect information about those having the procedure to see if other factors play a part.
The aim of the study is to find out how this procedure affects the width of your radial artery.
Your care will not change if you take part in the study. You will not gain any benefit from taking part. The information gained from the study might help people in the future who have radial artery procedures. The results may help to shape and improve guidance for this procedure.
Who can enter
The following bullet points are a summary of the entry conditions for this study. Talk to your doctor or the study team if you are unsure about any of these. They will be able to advise you.
Who can take part
You may be able to join this study if you are going to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and both of the following apply. You:
- are having a procedure where a tube (catheter) is put into the main artery in the wrist (the radial artery) under the guidance of an interventional radiologist. This is a radial artery procedure.
- are at least 18 years old
Who can’t take part
You cannot join this study if any of these apply. You:
- have had a blockage in your radial artery
- have a chronic kidney problem and you might need to have dialysis in the future
- might need surgery to the arteries in your hand and arm to make sure the blood flows to the hand
Trial design
This is an observational study. The team need 60 people to take part. Taking part will not affect your treatment or care.
For the radial artery procedure, the wipes your wrist with an antiseptic liquid to help reduce the possibility of an infection. They will cover the surrounding area with sterile drapes. They inject a around the area where they put in a needle. This is to numb the area of skin and the deep tissue around the artery.
The radiologist then uses an ultrasound machine to guide the procedure. They put the needle followed by a wire and fine plastic tube (catheter) into the artery to either take images or give treatment.
When the procedure is complete, they remove the catheter. They apply firm pressure to where the needle went in for about ten minutes. This is to prevent any bleeding. Sometimes they may use a special device to close the hole in the artery.
The study team will use the ultrasound to measure the width of your radial artery. They do this before, during and after the procedure.
Questionnaire
The study team will ask you to fill in a short questionnaire after the procedure. The questions ask:
- how you felt during the procedure
- how it compares to any previous procedure you might have had
You don’t have to agree to do the questionnaire.
Hospital visits
The team take the measurements when you have the procedure as part of your routine care. So there are no extra hospital visits.
Side effects
The radial artery procedure is a safe procedure. The team monitor you during and after the procedure. The side effects of having a radial artery procedure include:
- stinging and discomfort of the skin where you have an injection of local anaesthetic
- discomfort and feeling of pressure where the tube is first put in
- spasms of the artery
- blocking of the artery which can cause less blood to flow to the hand
- a blood clot in the artery
Your doctor will tell you about any possible side effects. They can answer any questions that you have.
Location
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Dr Pavan Najran
Supported by
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Terumo UK Ltd
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
