Why is this study important?

• This is the first randomized controlled trial to compare distal versus proximal radial access
• Distal radial artery access does offer some advantages to operators for selected cases

What was this study supposed to answer?

• Primarily, it was supposed to assess whether there were any differences in hand function at 1 year, by using a composite outcome of hand-grip strength, pinch-grip strength and a survey
• DIPRA also sought to compare access success rates and cross-over frequency
• Rates of radial artery occlusion were also compared in distal versus proximal radial access

What did the study show?

• DIPRA showed that there was no significant difference in hand dysfunction at 30 days or 1-year in proximal versus distal radial access
• Similar rates of access between the two groups with lo cross-over rates

No difference in radial artery occlusion rates between proximal and distal radial artery access