Management of transradial access for coronary angiography

The transradial approach for percutaneous coronary intervention and angiography has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to the traditional transfemoral approach. Used extensively throughout Europe for the past 15 years, this technique has recently gained widespread popularity throughout the United States. Lower direct costs, fewer vascular complications, better patient acceptance, and earlier ambulation are some of the direct benefits from using radial access. To date, however, there has been no literature published regarding best practices or evidence-based guidelines for postprocedural radial access care. This article will discuss the advantages of transradial access in detail, as well as activity progression based on best practices performed at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital.