Reducing Pain, Spasm, and Vasovagal Syndrome in Transradial Cardiac Angiography: The Role of Lidocaine Cream and Injectable Lidocaine

The adoption of the transradial approach (TRA) for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has significantly increased globally over the past decade (1). Although TRA may present greater complexities than the transfemoral approach, its numerous advantages, including a decreased incidence of complications and adverse outcomes, have made it increasingly favorable (2-7). Transradial approach is recognized as a safer alternative, evidenced by numerous studies demonstrating lower rates of complications compared to the femoral approach (4, 6).

Coronary angiography is widely regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease, serving both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (8, 9). However, the procedure's invasive nature can induce considerable stress and anxiety in patients. Complications associated with angiography, such as hematoma, bleeding, thrombosis, and arterial emboli, are often linked to trauma to the femoral artery (10). Moreover, the transfemoral approach necessitates that patients remain in a supine position for extended periods, which can lead to discomfort and various side effects, including groin and leg pain, back pain, urinary difficulties, and nausea. This discomfort, particularly from back pain, has prompted efforts to enhance patient care protocols (11).

Despite the transfemoral approach's association with shorter hospital stays and lower incidences of bleeding and hematoma, it carries risks, including radial artery spasm (RAS), which can affect up to 30% of patients undergoing TRA (12). Research indicates that moderate to severe pain during arterial cannulation significantly increases the likelihood of RAS (12). The radial artery's high concentration of adrenoceptors renders it susceptible to contraction induced by catecholamines (13). Consequently, minimizing pain during TRA may have a beneficial impact on reducing the incidence of RAS (14).

The eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA), comprising lidocaine and prilocaine, has shown efficacy as a local anesthetic in various procedures, including arterial cannulation, and has been associated with shorter cannulation times and improved success rates. However, its slower onset of action compared to direct lidocaine injections may limit its clinical application (15). Current evidence comparing the efficacy of EMLA cream with local lidocaine injection is limited and, at times, contradictory, lacking clarity regarding both success rates and associated side effects.

Given these considerations, the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of lidocaine cream in conjunction with subcutaneous injection for pain reduction in patients undergoing TRA, as well as to determine whether the use of lidocaine cream may enhance cannulation success rates and reduce the incidence of RAS.

In this study, a total of 80 patients undergoing radial angiography were included, divided into two groups of 40 each: One group receiving lidocaine-P cream and the other receiving a placebo cream. The mean age of the participants was 58.10 years, with a standard deviation of 10.88. The youngest participant was 32 years old, and the oldest was 88 years old. Specifically, the mean age of the control group was 58.25 years (SD = 11.15), while the experimental group (lidocaine-P) had a mean age of 57.95 years (SD = 10.75).

In terms of gender distribution, the experimental group comprised 16 females and 24 males, while the control group also consisted of 16 females and 24 males, indicating an equal gender distribution in both groups.

Before conducting statistical analyses and hypothesis testing, the demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed for equivalence between the two groups. The distribution of the groups concerning other variables was evaluated using chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests, depending on the data type. The analysis revealed that the differences between the lidocaine-P and placebo groups were not statistically significant, suggesting that the two groups were comparable in demographic and clinical characteristics (Table 1).

Additionally, prior to angiography, the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate of the participants were recorded (Table 2). The differences in mean vital signs were analyzed using chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests, as appropriate for the data. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in systolic blood pressure (P = 0.132), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.565), and heart rate (P = 0.372) between the two groups.

As shown in Table 3, following radial angiography and data collection, it was determined that six individuals in the control group experienced vasovagal syndrome, whereas only one individual in the experimental group was affected. Statistical testing indicated that the occurrence of vasovagal syndrome was significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.011).

Furthermore, the findings indicated that none of the participants in the experimental group reported experiencing pain, while seven participants in the control group reported pain (Table 4). Statistical analysis confirmed that the difference in the number of individuals reporting pain between the two groups was significant (P = 0.006).

The study also revealed that five patients in the control group experienced spasms, with no reports of spasms in the experimental group. Statistical results showed that the incidence of spasms was significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.021) (Table 5).

Pain management is a paramount concern in the emergency department, and patient sedation is a crucial aspect of this endeavor (18, 19). The alleviation of pain and its treatment are significant health concerns, often hampered by the safety risks associated with systemic medications. In Europe, it is estimated that 25 - 30% of the population suffers from chronic pain. Despite the availability of recommended treatments, more than 60% of patients with chronic pain fail to exhibit improvement or respond poorly, frequently experiencing adverse events (AE) (20). The literature recommends the use of topical agents as first- or second-line treatment options for pain management (20, 21). The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of lidocaine cream in reducing pain, spasm, and vasovagal syndrome. The findings of this study demonstrate that the use of this cream can be an effective adjunct in mitigating the pain associated with angiography. Chronic pain is a debilitating condition affecting approximately 5 million adults in the U.S. each year, resulting in over $2 billion in lost medical costs and wages. Defined as pain lasting beyond six months, it is recognized as a major public health issue and termed a "silent epidemic." Despite improvements in pain management, the prevalence of chronic pain continues to rise. A 2021 National Health Interview Survey found that around 1.5 million adults experienced daily pain for six months, with 2 million reporting significant or severe pain. In recognition of its impact, the American pain community designated pain as the fifth vital sign in 2021 (22). Lidocaine is the most effective local anesthetic belonging to the amide group. It is a moderate topical anesthetic known for its rapid onset of action. Beyond its role in pain management, lidocaine is valuable for controlling neuropathic pain and is also used to treat both acute and chronic pain, as well as to manage arrhythmias. Additionally, it is utilized in addressing chronic pain associated with neurological disorders, including myofascial pain, stroke, and neurogenic pain (18, 23, 24). The findings of this study indicate that the cream tested may effectively reduce spasms associated with radial angiography. Spasms are broadly defined as sensory motor disorders resulting from lesions in upper motor neurons. Symptoms can include increased muscle tone, contractions, exaggerated reflexes (clonus), and limited joint mobility. The severity of spasms can vary, ranging from mild stiffness to intense, painful contractions, typically occurring in the legs and arms (25). In addition to the immediate symptoms, spastic musculoskeletal issues may arise, such as decreased muscle movement and stability. Side effects of spasms can include functional impairment due to muscle stiffness, uncontrollable and often painful contractions, deformities of muscles and joints, abnormal muscle growth, and inhibited protein synthesis in muscle cells (26). There are several effective treatments available for managing and treating muscle spasms (27). The primary therapeutic goals in the context of spasms include alleviating symptoms, reducing pain and excessive muscle contractions, and improving mobility and overall quality of life. One of the most commonly used therapies for muscle spasms involves the administration of medications such as lidocaine. Most pharmacological interventions aim to reduce the release of excitatory neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate and monoamines) or enhance the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters (such as glycine and others) to diminish reflex activity (28). Vasovagal syndrome, often referred to as neurotransmitter syndrome or neurological syndrome, can occur frequently as a result of the activation of cardiac nerve pathways during medical procedures, posing challenges for healthcare providers (29). The annual prevalence of vasovagal syndrome is estimated to range from 0.5% to 2.5% per person (30). Specifically, during cardiovascular interventions, the prevalence is similarly cited between 0.5% and 2.5%, while for colonoscopy procedures, it is also within the same range. The associated mortality rates for vasovagal syndrome are reported to be between 0.5% and 2.5%. Findings from this study suggest that the use of the cream can significantly reduce the incidence of vasovagal syndrome during radial angiography. Factors such as pain, tissue injury, and strong emotional responses can exacerbate this condition. In patients with mild pathology, symptoms may only present as pre-syncopal or fainting episodes (including dizziness, mental confusion, weakness, and diaphoresis) without loss of consciousness. Most patients do not experience permanent loss of consciousness. While the condition is generally benign, some reports indicate that a more severe form can lead to significant long-term cardiac issues, often precipitated by surgical interventions. If prolonged, these episodes may lead to asystole and, in extreme cases, sudden cardiac arrest. It has been suggested that topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine and its derivatives, may help alleviate pain or prevent the onset of vasovagal syndrome (31).