Radial Access for Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Interventions: Do We Have the Tools?

Area of Science:

• Interventional Cardiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Management

Background:

• Transfemoral arterial access (TFA) is the standard for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) interventions.
• Transradial arterial access (TRA) is well-established for coronary interventions but less adopted for lower extremity PAD.
• Existing literature highlights TRA benefits, yet TFA remains predominant for PAD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature on transradial access (TRA) for lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
• To identify available devices and techniques enabling TRA for PAD interventions.
• To discuss the limitations and unmet needs in performing lower extremity PAD treatment via TRA.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies comparing TRA and TFA for PAD.
• Analysis of available devices and technological advancements facilitating TRA in lower extremity interventions.
• Evaluation of procedural outcomes, complications, and limitations associated with TRA for PAD.

Main Results:

• While TRA offers advantages, its application in lower extremity PAD is limited by device availability and operator experience.
• Specific devices and techniques are emerging to facilitate TRA for PAD, but challenges remain.
• Further research and technological development are needed to optimize TRA for PAD interventions.

Conclusions:

• Transradial access (TRA) holds potential for treating lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
• Current limitations in devices and techniques necessitate further innovation to fully realize TRA's benefits for PAD.
• Operator adoption of TRA for PAD requires addressing existing challenges and demonstrating comparable efficacy to TFA.