The transradial approach for coronary angiography and intervention

Transradial approach (TRA) as a method of accessing the arterial system began in the 1940s. It was not until the late 1980s when the TRA was used in cardiac catheterization, and from here it rapidly followed into percutaneous coronary intervention. Recently, the increasing concern of vascular access complications associated with the transfemoral approach has obligated interventional cardiologists to consider training in TRA. With advancements in technology, the array of interventional equipment traditionally compatible only with the transfemoral approach is also available to the TRA operator. The only remaining obstacle to considering a TRA is the “learning curve.” In this chapter, we aim to provide insights and techniques, which will help overcome the initial potential difficulties of the TRA.