BackgroundCompared with the conventional transradial approach (TRA), there are limited data on the efficacy and safety of the novel distal transradial approach (DTRA). This study aimed to verify the effectiveness and safety of the DTRA for percutaneous coronary angiography and intervention. Besides, we also try to highlight the potential of the DTRA in reducing radial artery occlusion (RAO), shorter time to hemostasis, and improved patient comfort.MethodsThis single-center prospective observational study enrolled patients treated with DTRA (n = 527) in the first 9 months and with TRA (n = 586) in the next 8 months from May 2020 to December 2021. The primary endpoint was the proximal RAO rate at 30 days.ResultsBaseline data were similar between the two groups. The proximal radial artery occlusion rate at 30 days [2.3% vs. 7.0%], the success rate of puncture [86.4% vs. 96.7%], the Numeric Rating Scale score [1.97 ± 1.89 vs. 4.61 ± 2.68], and the incidence of postoperative subcutaneous hematoma and finger numbness [3.4% vs. 8.2%, 2.7% vs. 4.4%] were lower. The puncture time [6.93 ± 7.25 min vs. 3.18 ± 3.52 min] was longer, and the time until radial compression device removal was shorter [CAG: 138.61 ± 38.73 min vs. 191.6 ± 61.22 min, PCI:221.46 ± 62.45 min vs. 276.28 ± 76.39 min] in the DTRA group than TRA group (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the DTRA (OR 0.231, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.088–0.769, P = 0.001),BMI<18.5 kg/m2(OR 2.627, 95% CI 1.142–4.216, P = 0.004), Diabetes mellitus (OR 2.15, 95%CI1.212–3.475, P = 0.014), RCD removal time (CAG,min) (OR 1.091, 95% CI 1.013–1.441, P = 0.035) and RCD removal time (PCI,min) (OR 1.067, 95% CI 1.024–1.675, P = 0.022) were the independent risk factors of RAO 1 month after intervention procedure.ConclusionDTRA was found to a lower incidence of postoperative RAO and bleeding-related complications, shorter time to achieve hemostasis, and greater patient comfort.