Meta‐analysis of ultrasound‐guided vs conventional vascular access for cardiac electrophysiology procedures

• Main Authors: Tom Kai Ming Wang, Michael Tzu Min Wang, Andrew Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2019-12-01
• Series: Journal of Arrhythmia
• Subjects: arrhythmia; catheter ablation; electrophysiology; ultrasound; vascular access
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.12236

Abstract Background Vascular complications are common during invasive cardiac electrophysiology procedures. This meta‐analysis compares outcomes following ultrasound and nonultrasound‐guided vascular access for these procedures. Methods PubMed, Embase and Cochrane 01/01/1980‐30/09/2018 were searched for relevant studies to meta‐analyse. Results Seven studies (6269 patients) were included. Pooled rates and odds ratio(95% confidence interval) for ultrasound and nonultrasound subgroups were 1.2% vs 3.0%, 0.32 (0.21‐0.49) for all vascular complications, with less hematomas and arterial punctures but similar arteriovenous fistulas, pseudoaneurysms or retroperitoneal bleeds. Conclusion Ultrasound guidance had less complications due to less hematoma and arterial puncture, and is generally recommended for electrophysiology procedures.