Upper Extremity Vascular Access for Structural Interventions

Upper extremity vascular access has become an essential alternative to transfemoral access for structural and congenital cardiac interventions. This section outlines the expanding role of radial and subclavian/axillary approaches across procedures such as TAVR, aortic balloon valvuloplasty, aortic paravalvular leak closure, adult congenital defect interventions, and cardiac mechanical circulatory support placement. Compared with femoral access, upper extremity approaches offer lower complication rates, enhanced safety, and earlier ambulation, but present unique anatomic and technical challenges. With accumulating evidence and operator experience, these strategies are increasingly favored in selected patients and procedural contexts for optimized outcomes in structural heart disease management.