Access Sites for Vascular Interventions

Abstract

Arterial access for the purpose of coronary angiography and intervention can be obtained via several sites, of which the femoral artery and radial artery are in most common use today. Optimal arterial access permits procedural success and efficiency while avoiding bleeding and vascular complications and optimizing patient comfort. In this chapter, we address the current status of arterial access for coronary angiography and intervention. We review anatomic considerations, techniques, and complications of arterial access for the most common access sites, including a review of approaches to arterial hemostasis. In the second half of the chapter, we provide an evidence-based multifaceted comparison of femoral versus radial access, concluding with future directions for research.