Ulnar artery cannulation for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention: Case reports and anatomic considerations

Transradial artery cannulation is a useful alternative approach to the performance of diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures. However, its utility can be limited by incomplete palmar collateral support, access site failure, and anatomic variations. We report on five patients in whom percutaneous cannulation of the ulnar artery was primarily chosen, based on preprocedure examination, for coronary angiography in three patients and percutaneous coronary intervention in two others. The transulnar artery approach to coronary procedures is feasible and may be preferable in selected cases. Anatomic considerations are discussed. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.