The radial approach for coronary angiography and stenting

The transradial approach for coronary intervention is associated with primary success rates comparable to the femoral approach and fewer access site bleeding complications. It is particularly useful in patients who are at higher risk for vascular complications, such as unstable patients who have received either thrombolytic or platelet glycoprorein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. The morbidity of the procedure is less, and patients prefer the radial approach. The learning curve now is much shorter with newer stent delivery systems, and interventionalists should strongly consider using this alternative access site.