Safe entry site for coronary angiography: Snuff box

Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary artery intervention are important tools for the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, despite both technical and pharmacological advances, bleeding and vascular complications remain problematic. With recent trials supporting the safety and decreased bleeding risk associated with the radial approach, radial access has become more popular, and conferences providing instruction on this technique are often standing room only. Herein, a case in which coronary angiography was performed by punching through the radial artery snuff box (fovea radialis) is described. Radial angiography from the snuff box allows for easier palpation and punching, less risk of neuropathy and bleeding, and less compression after the procedure.

Keywords: Coronary angiography, safe entry site; snuff box.