Which access route is commonly used for diagnostic coronary angiography due to reduced bleeding risk?

Which access route is commonly used for diagnostic coronary angiography due to reduced bleeding risk?

• A. Transfemoral
• B. Transradial
• C. Transjugular
• D. Transiliac

Answer: (B)

For diagnostic coronary angiography, you want an access route that minimizes bleeding and vascular complications. The transradial approach, using the radial artery at the wrist, is favored because the artery is superficial and easily compressible after the procedure, which markedly reduces major bleeding, hematoma, and other access-site complications compared with femoral access. The radial route also preserves distal hand perfusion through the ulnar artery, thanks to good collateral circulation, and it typically allows patients to recover and ambulate sooner, improving comfort and shortening hospital stays. While it may be challenging in some patients (small vessel size, spasms, or anomalous anatomy) and isn’t always successful, it remains the preferred route for many diagnostic angiography cases due to the lower bleeding risk. The transfemoral approach carries a higher chance of major bleeding and vascular complications, and routes like transjugular or transiliac are not standard arterial access paths for coronary angiography.

For diagnostic coronary angiography, you want an access route that minimizes bleeding and vascular complications. The transradial approach, using the radial artery at the wrist, is favored because the artery is superficial and easily compressible after the procedure, which markedly reduces major bleeding, hematoma, and other access-site complications compared with femoral access. The radial route also preserves distal hand perfusion through the ulnar artery, thanks to good collateral circulation, and it typically allows patients to recover and ambulate sooner, improving comfort and shortening hospital stays. While it may be challenging in some patients (small vessel size, spasms, or anomalous anatomy) and isn’t always successful, it remains the preferred route for many diagnostic angiography cases due to the lower bleeding risk. The transfemoral approach carries a higher chance of major bleeding and vascular complications, and routes like transjugular or transiliac are not standard arterial access paths for coronary angiography.