ABSTRACT
The common femoral artery (CFA) is the access of choice for diagnostic arteriography and arterial interventions. Ever since Seldinger (1) first published his technique of percutaneous needle cannulation of an artery followed by passage of a wire through a hollow needle, the CFA has been used for the introduction of flexible catheters into the arterial system. Other access sites, such as the brachial and radial artery, are useful when there is aorto-iliac or femoral artery occlusive disease (2-10). Proponents of radial artery access for diagnostic and interventional procedures within the coronary arteries cite safety, decreased cost and patient preference as compelling arguments to pursue this access route. Proponents have also stated that radial artery access has a steeper learning curve before one feels comfortable with the procedure.
