Reduction of discomfort at sheath removal during transradial coronary procedures with the use of a hydrophilic-coated sheath

Some patients experience discomfort at sheath removal during transradial procedures. We hypothesized that the use of a hydrophilic-coated sheath (HCS) would reduce the traction force needed at withdrawal and therefore the pain experienced by patients. Patients referred for coronary intervention were randomized to undergo transradial procedure with the use of HCS or with nonhydrophilic sheath (NHS). At removal of the sheath, peak traction force was recorded using an electronic traction gauge and patients were asked to quantify their pain. A total of 90 patients participated in the study. The mean +/- SD peak traction force at sheath removal was 265 +/- 167 g and 865 +/- 318 g in the HCS and NHS groups, respectively (69% reduction; P < 0.001). Mean maximal pain score was 0.6 +/- 1.2 and 4.8 +/- 2.9 in the HCS and NHS groups, respectively (88% reduction; P < 0.0001). Use of HCS for transradial procedures reduces considerably the traction force needed for sheath removal as well as pain experienced by patients when compared to NHS. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.