Transradial approach versus transfemoral approach for coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty.

In the United States, approximately 1.7 million cardiac catheterizations are performed each year, making it the fifth most common procedure. In this article, the author reviews the literature on the alternative transradial approach versus the traditional transfemoral approach for cardiac catheterization. Through a meta-analysis, clinical trials were thoroughly analyzed. The clinical and procedural outcomes are compared to provide evidence that the transradial approach for coronary angiography and angioplasty is associated with lower risks of adverse outcomes compared with the traditional transfemoral approach. An educational focus highlights the role of the nurse practitioner to ensure proper assessment and management of patients after transradial access.