Radial Artery Access: Should it Be Used More Often?

of coronary interventionism using this approach. At the present time, in a remarkable number of hemodynamic laboratories, it is the principal approach both for coronary angiography and for patients undergoing cardiac intervention. Nevertheless, and in spite of the advantages that have been demonstrated in some aspects when using the transradial approach, the femoral approach continues to be used more often, probably due to certain limitations of the radial approach. ADVANTAGES OF THE RADIAL APPROACH The radial artery, in contrast to the brachial and femoral arteries, has a superficial route, passes over the bony structure of the radius, and there are no important venous structures or nerves in its immediate vicinity. All this eases and simplifies compression of the artery and monitoring of possible hematomas or hemorrhages and decreases possible complications such as neuropathy or A-V fistulas, and even the possible embolization of cholesterol crystals in patients with severe arteriosclerosis of the aorta. Similarly, the transradial approach allows for an earlier ability to ambulate, resulting in earlier patient discharge and a more comfortable post-catheterization period. Many studies have shown that using the radial approach means, with respect to the femoral and brachial approach, a significant decrease in vascular complications at the puncture site 3 in high-risk cases such as patients who