Percutaneous brachial artery catheterization

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Cardiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Percutaneous catheterization is a common vascular access procedure.
• The femoral artery approach is widely used but can be associated with complications.
• Alternative access sites are being explored to improve patient safety and procedural success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe modifications and anatomical considerations for safer percutaneous catheterization of the brachial artery.
• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the brachial artery approach compared to the femoral artery approach.

Main Methods:

• Review of axillary-brachial artery anatomy and brachial plexus nerve pathways.
• Description of suggested modifications for percutaneous brachial artery catheterization technique.
• Comparative analysis of potential risks and benefits versus the femoral artery approach.

Main Results:

• The brachial artery approach, when performed with suggested modifications, offers a high degree of safety.
• Anatomical understanding of the axillary-brachial artery and surrounding nerves is crucial for minimizing risks.
• The safety profile of the brachial artery approach is comparable to the femoral artery approach.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous brachial artery catheterization is a viable and safe alternative to femoral access.
• This approach should be considered when femoral arteries are unsuitable for catheterization.
• Adherence to anatomical guidelines enhances procedural safety and efficacy.