Prevention and Management of Radial Access Complications

Purpose of review Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions via the radial approach are increasing in utilization due to evidence supporting improved outcomes with lower risk of complications, shorter time to ambulation, and improved patient comfort compared with the femoral approach. Radial artery access comes with a unique set of risks and complications compared with the femoral approach. This review discusses the most common of radial access-specific complications and provides guidance regarding prevention and management of these complications. Recent findings As radial artery access becomes more common, the unique complications specific to this access site are being better characterized, and strategies for prevention and management are being developed and tested. We review the growing literature on the prevention and management of complications associated with radial access. The radial artery is a safe and effective site of access for catheter-based cardiac procedures. As more institutions and operators move to a radial-first approach, strategies to optimize and limit radial artery complications should be used. While complications should be appropriately managed if they occur, application of best practices to avoid complications are key to successful and safe radial artery access.