New Delhi, Aug. 10 -- The preferred entry for angioplasty and coronary interventions was the femoral artery in the groin for decades. These days, more and more cardiologists are reaching for the wrist. This move to transradial access is not a trend. Still, it is supported by growing clinical evidence of safety, recovery and patient comfort.

The old way: Femoral access

The femoral route has long been the preferred approach because the artery is large and easily accessible, allowing for larger catheters and devices for complex procedures. But there is a price to pay for this convenience. Penetrations to the groin are more likely to cause major bleeding, haematoma formation, pseudoaneurysms and the rare but serious retroperitoneal bleed. U...