Percutaneous axillary access for large-bore arteriotomy: A step-by-step guide

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular medicine
• Interventional cardiology
• Vascular surgery

Background:

• Transcatheter cardiovascular interventions have rapidly advanced, demanding large-bore vascular access.
• The common femoral artery is the primary access route, but patient anatomy can preclude its use.
• Alternative access sites are crucial for expanding the reach of these life-saving procedures.

Observation:

• A significant patient subset cannot undergo transfemoral access due to conditions like peripheral artery disease or small vessel diameters.
• Percutaneous axillary artery access presents a practical alternative for achieving large-bore access in challenging cases.
• This technique facilitates complex transcatheter procedures when femoral access is not feasible.

Findings:

• The study outlines a detailed, step-by-step methodology for performing percutaneous large-bore access via the axillary artery.
• The guide covers essential techniques for successful access and subsequent vascular closure.
• This approach enables the safe delivery of large-caliber devices for various transcatheter interventions.

Implications:

• Percutaneous axillary access expands treatment options for patients needing complex transcatheter cardiovascular interventions.
• It provides a critical solution for individuals with inadequate femoral vasculature.
• This technique enhances the applicability and success rates of advanced cardiovascular therapies.