Radial Access for Catheterization

What is radial access for catheterization?

Interventional cardiologists increasingly are using access through the wrist when performing a cardiac catheterization. Usually, a catheter is inserted near the groin into a large artery at the top of the leg, then threaded into the heart or peripheral arteries. However, using more complex techniques and improved technology can allow specially trained cardiologists to perform cardiac catheterizations with radial access, that is, access through the wrist.

Why use radial access for catheterization?

While catheterization using radial access is technically more challenging for the interventional cardiologist, it is beneficial for patients. The procedure is usually more comfortable and the risk of serious bleeding following the procedure is significantly reduced.

After a catheterization using the leg (femoral artery) entry point, a patient must lay flat and remain still with pressure on the site for several hours following the procedure to allow the wound site to close and heal. Movement during this time can cause the site to bleed and require additional hours spent lying still in bed to reduce the chance of a serious complication. For elderly patients and those with chronic back pain or breathing difficulties, immobilization for several hours can be uncomfortable and problematic.

In comparison, the wrist (radial) artery is smaller, right under the skin and responds more quickly to pressure to close the wound site, which significantly reduces the potential for complications and bleeding. Recovery time also is shorter and most patients can return to normal activities more quickly.