Comparing two methods for accessing arteries during heart procedures in patients with heart attacks

Distal Versus Conventional Transradial Artery Access for Coronary Catheterization in Patients With ST-elevation Myocardial Infraction (STEMI): The DR-STEMI Trial

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital of Patras · NCT05605288

This study is testing whether a new way to access arteries during heart procedures can help patients having heart attacks recover faster and with fewer complications compared to the standard method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment554 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital of Patras Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Charleroi and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05605288 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the distal transradial artery access (dTRA) method with the conventional transradial artery access (TRA) for coronary catheterization in patients experiencing ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The dTRA approach, which involves accessing the artery through the anatomical snuffbox, has shown potential benefits such as faster hemostasis and lower complication rates. The study will evaluate peri- and post-procedural outcomes to determine the effectiveness and safety of dTRA compared to TRA in this specific patient population. The research is grounded in recent guidelines that endorse TRA as the gold standard for acute coronary syndromes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are experiencing ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Not a fit: Patients with non-palpable radial arteries, previous coronary artery bypass grafting, or those with anatomical restrictions for the forearm approach may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety and outcomes for patients undergoing coronary procedures for heart attacks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that distal transradial access is a feasible and safe approach, suggesting potential success for this study's methodology.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years old
* Indication: ST-Elevation Myocardial Infraction

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-palpable radial artery
* Previous CABG
* Anatomical restrictions for forearm approach
* Hemodynamic instability
* Previous radial artery catheterization from the same arm during the last 30-days

Where this trial is running

Charleroi and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ST Elevation Myocardial InfarctionCoronary Artery DiseaseDistal Transradial ArteryTransradial ArteryCoronary CatheterizationPercutaneous Coronary InterventionPrimary PCIdistal transradial artery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.