Ultrasound-guided vs. Standard Coronary Access in Coronary Angiography: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objectives: Coronary angiography is a procedure performed during cardiac catheterization to define the coronary anatomy and determine the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). The use of a cheap, relatively available tool like an ultrasound machine to assist in vascular access might reduce the risks associated with blind access. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and associated complications of ultrasound-guided coronary artery catheterization.

Methods: This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022365518). A systematic search was performed for all published studies without language or country restrictions and all study variables were extracted into prefilled sheets by two independent reviewers.

Results: This meta-analysis identified 10 RCTs. The results confirmed statistically significantly reductions of total complications (RR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.72, P < .001), and hematoma >5 cm formation (RR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.25-0.75, P = 0.003) in patients who underwent ultrasound-guided coronary artery catheterization.

Conclusion: Ultrasound with catheterization, as opposed to landmark-based catheterization, significantly improved the peri-catheterization operative outcomes, providing evidence for further research to be conducted and consideration for its implementation within the medical setting.