Distal transradial access: a review of the feasibility and safety in cardiovascular angiography and intervention

BACKGROUND: Transradial access (TRA) has been considered as the default choice in cardiac catheterization. Although infrequent, vascular complications of this approach remain. Recently, the distal transradial approach (dTRA) in cardiac catheterization was reported by interventionalists. METHODS: We retrieved the relevant literatures and reviewed the safety and feasibility of this novel approach in cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: The dTRA for cardiac intervention has superior safety and satisfaction. As a novel approach for cardiac catheterization, access related complications should also be considered by operators, such as RAO, radial spasm, bleeding and haematoma, and injury of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. CONCLUSIONS: The dTRA in cardiovascular angiography and intervention was safe and feasible.