Abstract

Objective The purpose of the FARMI prospective, randomized trial was to compare bleeding complications and results of PCI between patients treated via radial and femoral approaches in the setting of AMI, and using abciximab and 5 French guiding-catheters.

Patients A hundred and fourteen consecutive patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction were prospectively randomized. Exclusion criteria were as follows: history of CABG, cardiogenic shock, atrio-ventricular block, and contra-indication to abciximab or negative Allen's test. Local haemostasis was achieved by manual compression.

Results Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. Peripheral arterial complication rates and delay to patient ambulation were significantly lower in the radial group as compared to the femoral group, whereas in-hospital stay was similar between both groups. A cross-over was more frequently necessary in the radial group as compared to the femoral group. Coronary angiography duration and fluoroscopy time were significantly longer in the radial group as compared to the femoral group, whereas PCI duration was similar between both.

Conclusions The FARMI trial showed that radial route lowered peripheral arterial complication rates and allowed earlier ambulation, despite no significant benefit on the duration of hospitalisation.