Using the ulnar artery when the same-arm radial artery is blocked for heart angiography or angioplasty
Transulnar Access in Patients With Ipsilateral Radial Artery Occlusion Undergoing Coronary Angiography or Angioplasty: Safety and Effect on Hand Function (ULNART)
This study will try using the ulnar artery in the same arm with a blocked radial artery to see if it's safe and how it affects hand strength, feeling, and everyday hand use in adults having coronary angiography or angioplasty.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 127 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Athens and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07380399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective observational cohort that follows adults with a documented radial artery occlusion who undergo coronary angiography or angioplasty using transulnar access on the same side. Vascular access choice is made by the treating physician and the study records outcomes without changing clinical decisions. Participants receive standardized baseline and follow-up exams including vascular imaging and tests of hand strength, sensation, and function. The study reports rates of access-related vascular or nerve complications and changes in hand function after the procedure.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with documented radial artery occlusion in the arm planned for access who are scheduled for elective coronary angiography or angioplasty and for whom the treating physician selects same-arm transulnar access are eligible.
Not a fit: Patients with inadequate ulnar artery flow or anatomy, those with contraindications to same-arm access, or those requiring urgent procedures where other access is preferred may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If safe, transulnar access could offer a practical same-arm alternative that preserves the other arm and maintains hand function, reducing the need for femoral access.
How similar studies have performed: Prior evidence is limited and heterogeneous, with small observational series suggesting the approach can be feasible but without definitive safety data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Participants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Documented radial artery occlusion in the upper limb intended for vascular access, confirmed by ultrasound or angiography * Scheduled to undergo elective coronary angiography and/or angioplasty * Transulnar arterial access on the same side as the occluded radial artery is selected by the treating physician * Contralateral radial artery access is not feasible or is clinically undesirable, including for reasons such as: * documented occlusion or severe disease of the contralateral radial artery * unfavorable anatomy or prior failed access * strategic preservation of the contralateral radial artery for future surgical or dialysis needs * Adequate ulnar artery flow and anatomy for access, as assessed by pre-procedural ultrasound * Able and willing to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria Participants meeting any of the following criteria will be excluded: * Inadequate or absent ulnar artery flow at the intended access site on ultrasound * Known ulnar nerve injury or neuropathy affecting the access-side upper limb * Severe pre-existing motor or sensory dysfunction of the access-side hand that would interfere with functional assessment * Emergency coronary procedures that preclude baseline vascular or functional assessment * Participation in another interventional clinical study involving vascular access or intervention in the same upper limb * Local conditions at the intended access site, such as active infection, burn, or extensive scarring * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Life expectancy less than 6 months
Where this trial is running
Athens and 1 other locations
- Hellenic Red Cross Hospital — Athens, Greece (Recruiting)
- Hippokratio General Hospital — Athens, Greece (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Konstantinos Aznaouridis, Ass. Professor of Cardiology — 1st Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Study coordinator: Dimitrios Karelas, MD
- Email: dim.f.karelas@gmail.com
- Phone: +30 698 6428463
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.