Objective To investigate the feasibility of coronary graft vessel angiography by the left radial approach.

Methods The 45 patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) history were enrolled from January, 2012 to June, 2014. All the patients were divided to two groups according to the angiography approach. Coronary bypass graft angiographies in one group of 13 another group of 32 patients were done by the femoral approach. Success rate of angiography, time of vein graft angiography, time of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) angiography, numbers of conduct, volume of contrast were observed. The complications at the puncture point including haemorrhage, hematoma, false aneurysm, arteriovenous fistula were noticed.

Results There were no difference in success rate of angiography, time of vein graft angiography, numbers of conduct, volume of contrast between the two groups. The time of LIMA angiography was shorter in the left radial approach group than it in the femoral approach group (4.7 ± 4.4 min vs 9.6 ± 6.3 min, p = 0.023). There was no difference in complication after procedure between the two groups.

Conclusion It is feasible that the coronary bypass graft vessel angiography is done by the left radial approach, especially for the LIMA angiography because of less time and simple manipulate. The bypass graft vessel angiography done by the left radial approach should be the first choice for the experienced manipulator.