Table 2 Comparison of transradial and transfemoral arterial access

Entry point

Radial artery

Femoral artery

Founded

1989

~1960s

Advantages

• Superficial artery for easier visualization

• Readily compressible

• Less susceptible to effects of thrombosis due to dual blood supply of the hand

• Hemostasis achieved without the introduction of a vascular closure device (transradial band used instead)

• Shorter procedural time

• Faster recovery time with immediate ambulation

• Lower procedural cost

• Studies indicate 100% technical success rate at 1-month follow-up

• Fewer bleeding complications

• Lower rates of morbidity and mortality

• Many trained physicians comfortable with this approach

• Large arterial diameter

• Long history of success

Disadvantages

• Learning curve that can lead to vascular complications

• Small radial artery diameter

• Radial artery spasm, radial artery occlusion, and/or forearm hematoma

• Higher risk of hemorrhage

• Longer time necessary until discharge

• Greater procedural cost

• Femoral artery provides the only blood supply to the leg; occlusion can have severe consequences