Residual damage in previously instrumented radial arteries.

ABSTRACT

Pre-procedural radial artery ultrasound may reduce both vascular access time and total procedure time in patients who previously had radial artery procedures. Many radial arteries that were previously instrumented appear to have chronic changes that may make them unfavorable for future use. Attention to best practice for radial artery catheterization and measurements of long-term radial artery damage may be important metrics for sustainable, long-term use of transradial access.