Radial is better, smaller is better, distal radial is even better!

Distal radial artery access in noncoronary procedures

Since the beginning of interventional cardiology and for decades, the femoral artery has been the access of choice for both diagnostic and interventional endovascular procedures. Due to an extensive evidence base accumulated over the last 20 years, the majority of interventional cardiologists around the world prefer classical radial artery access for both elective and emergency procedures. A similar trend has been observed for distal radial artery access over the last five years. Noncoronary endovascular surgery undergoes the same stages of improvement and optimization of access, but in a more accelerated way. The goal of this review is to analyze the literature on distal radial artery access in noncoronary procedures.

Distal transradial access: a review of the feasibility and safety in cardiovascular angiography and intervention

BACKGROUND

Transradial access (TRA) has been considered as the default choice in cardiac catheterization. Although infrequent, vascular complications of this approach remain. Recently, the distal transradial approach (dTRA) in cardiac catheterization was reported by interventionalists.

METHODS

We retrieved the relevant literatures and reviewed the safety and feasibility of this novel approach in cardiac catheterization.

RESULTS

The dTRA for cardiac intervention has superior safety and satisfaction. As a novel approach for cardiac catheterization, access related complications should also be considered by operators, such as RAO, radial spasm, bleeding and haematoma, and injury of the superficial branch of the radial nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

The dTRA in cardiovascular angiography and intervention was safe and feasible.