The Effect of Coronary Angiography and Femoral Access on Femoral Artery Distensibility and Elasticity

Abstract

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of access to the femoral artery for the purposes of coronary angiography through the measurement of femoral artery distensibility and elasticity on the accessed and non-accessed sides. Material and methods: This cross- sectional study included patients who underwent femoral angiography at least 1 year previously. Those whose femoral artery was accessed once formed Group 1 (n = 59), those who were accessed twice formed Group 2 (n = 57), those accessed 3 times formed Group 3 (n = 55), and those with more than 3 accesses, Group 4 (n = 60). The groups were compared in respect of femoral artery elasticity and distensibility in the accessed and non-accessed sides. Results: No statistically significant difference was determined in respect of femoral distensibility and elasticity in Group 1 (9.40 +/- 0.84 vs 9.48 +/- 0.75, p = 0.107 and 0.23 +/- 0.03 vs 0.23 +/- 0.03, p = 0.433, respectively). However, a significant difference was observed between the two sides in terms of distensibility and elasticity in Group 2 (9.02 +/- 0.81 vs 9.23 +/- 0.75, and 0.21 +/- 0.02 vs 0.22 +/- 0.02), in Group 3 (8.49 +/- 0.77 vs 9.18 +/- 0.9 and 0.19 +/- 0.02 vs 0.21 +/- 0.02), and in Group 4 (8.14 +/- 0.74 vs 9.03 +/- 0.81 and 0.16 +/- 0.01 vs 0.2 +/- 0.02, p <0.001, for all comparisons). Conclusion: While a single access in the femoral artery for coronary angiography does not affect femoral artery elasticity and distensibility, multiple accesses may have adverse effects.