Cardiac catheterization remains a cornerstone of cardiovascular care, supporting both diagnostic evaluation and interventional management across a wide range of heart conditions. Although the procedure is inherently invasive, its safety profile has improved substantially over time due to advances in technique, imaging, device technology, and coordinated, team-based care. One of the most impactful developments has been the increased adoption of transradial access.

Compared with transfemoral (groin) access, the transradial (wrist) approach is associated with lower rates of bleeding and vascular complications, earlier ambulation, and improved patient comfort. These benefits have contributed to shorter hospital stays and broader use of same-day discharge protocols in appropriately selected patients.

Highlights:

• Cardiac catheterization is performed more than one million times annually in the United States for indications including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease.

• Transradial access has demonstrated favorable safety and patient-centered outcomes compared with transfemoral access in many clinical settings.

• Major complications are uncommon in diagnostic procedures (<1%) but may include stroke (0.05%–0.1%), myocardial infarction (<0.1%), and contrast-associated acute kidney injury, reported in approximately 7% of cases.

• Access site–related events such as hematoma or radial artery occlusion (~5%) are generally manageable with appropriate patient selection, technique, and preprocedural assessment.

• Use of ultrasound guidance and targeted risk mitigation—such as hydration strategies for kidney protection and premedication for contrast hypersensitivity—further enhance procedural safety.

What Sets This Study Apart:

This synthesis highlights the evolving safety profile of cardiac catheterization while emphasizing evidence supporting transradial access. It integrates procedural data, complication trends, and multidisciplinary strategies that help optimize outcomes across diverse patient populations.

Limitations:

Despite ongoing improvements, individuals with significant comorbidities—including chronic kidney disease, left ventricular dysfunction, or acute coronary syndromes—remain at higher procedural risk. Operator experience and consistent adherence to evidence-based protocols continue to influence outcomes.

How do your post-catheterization protocols address renal risk and bleeding surveillance in higher-risk patients?