Hemostasis After Cardiac Catheterization via Upper Extremity Access: Techniques, Outcomes, and Evolving Strategies

Cardiac catheterization through upper extremity arterial access has revolutionized percutaneous coronary interventions offering reduced bleeding complications and quicker recovery times. Evidence-based techniques such as patent hemostasis and newer approaches such as distal radial arterial access present opportunities and challenges. This article reviews the current techniques used for hemostasis after upper extremity arterial access, including traditional radial artery access, distal radial artery access, and hemostasis after alternative access sites such as the brachial, ulnar, and axillary arteries. Understanding the effectiveness and limitations of each hemostasis technique is essential for reducing complications such as radial artery occlusion and ensuring better patient outcomes.