Transradial arterial access catheter knots: towards a new treatment algorithm

Transradial access for percutaneous coronary and non-coronary intervention has gained worldwide acceptance. This approach has demonstrated less bleeding and vascular events with a reduced in-hospital stay, and an improvement in clinical outcomes when compared to the traditional transfemoral approach. However, this strategy may occasionally lead to severe catheter kinking and further manipulation may be required to unravel the catheter and avoid complication. Purpose of this review article is to present the current knowledge and evidence in preventing and potentially resolving issues related to radial access catheter knots.