Ulnar Artery Catheterization: Is This Our Second Access Site or Is It Still Femoral?

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to summarize and discuss the safety and efficacy of ulnar arterial approach for cardiac catheterization. RECENT FINDINGS: Ulnar access has been found to be as safe and efficacious as radial access. However, the number of access attempts and cross-over rates is higher than with radial access. Ulnar access is an excellent alternative after failed radial access as femoral access is associated with more bleeding and worse clinical outcomes. Future research should focus on ultrasound-guided ulnar access to reduce the number of puncture attempts.