Examining the appropriateness of radial or femoral access: evidence from the RIVAL trial and clinical practice

Abstract

Multiple studies over the past 20 years have shown that transradial access for percutaneous coronary interventional procedures may have a distinct advantage over the transfemoral approach, in that access-site bleeding complications are virtually eliminated. Although there have been significant advances in antithrombotic therapy and interventional techniques, bleeding complications remain a significant source of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Furthermore, the results of the recent RIVAL trial have created further controversy regarding access site efficacy. The purpose of the present paper is to evaluate the role of transradial access in contemporary practice.