Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Transradial Access Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Published on: September 20, 2020
The radial artery: an alternative access site for diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures
1Dept of Cardiology St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8. mulvihn@tcd.ie
Insights
The radial artery provides a safe alternative for cardiac procedures, reducing complications compared to the transfemoral route. This transradial approach is crucial for patients with peripheral vascular disease, improving outcomes and patient comfort.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Cardiology
- Vascular Access Techniques
- Cardiovascular Disease Management
Background:
- Percutaneous techniques are standard for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease.
- The transfemoral route is the most common arterial access site for these procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail a technique for achieving arterial access via the radial artery.
- To enable diagnostic and invasive cardiovascular procedures using the radial artery.
Main Methods:
- Focus on careful patient selection for successful transradial access.
- Utilizing the right radial artery as an alternative to the transfemoral route.
Main Results:
- The transfemoral route is associated with significant vascular complications.
- Transfemoral access poses challenges in patients with peripheral vascular disease.
- Radial artery access is a viable alternative for coronary procedures.
Conclusions:
- The radial artery is a safe and effective alternative access site for coronary procedures.
- Transradial intervention significantly reduces major vascular complications.
- Radial artery access facilitates earlier ambulation, enhanced patient comfort, and potential for day-case interventions.
Background:
Percutaneous techniques are routinely used in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The transfemoral route is the most frequently used arterial access site for performing these procedures
Aim:
To describe a technique to gain arterial access via the radial artery to perform diagnostic and invasive procedures.
Methods:
Patient selection is key to establishing a successful transradial service.
Results:
There is a significant vascular complication rate when using the transfemoral route. Transfemoral access can also be difficult in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Arterial access via the right radial artery represents a realistic alternative to the transfemoral route for performing diagnostic and therapeutic coronary procedures.
Conclusions:
The radial artery offers a safe and effective alternative access site for performing diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures. The need for alternatives to femoral artery access is critical in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease. The establishment and ongoing provision of radial artery intervention allows for a significant reduction in major vascular complication rates, earlier patient ambulation, increased patient comfort and the potential to establish day case coronary intervention.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
01:21Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
01:24Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
01:21Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement