Resistant radial artery spasm during coronary angiography via radial approach responded to local warm compress

The radial artery approach for coronary angiography and angioplasty has been shown to be a safe alternative to the femoral approach (1). Although this technique is increasingly preferred, radial artery spasm (RAS), a potential complication, limits its widespread use. RAS may be resistant to vasodilator medications, which are usually useful in this situation, and may cause serious complications (2). We present a case with RAS, which was resistant to vasodilators and lidocaine, but responded well to a warm compress applied along the arm and the forearm.