Novel Distal Left Radial Artery Access in Anatomical Snuffbox for Recanalization of Proximal Radial Artery Total Occlusion and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Through Left Internal Mammary Artery

Abstract

Transradial artery (TRA) is considered a gold standard technique for the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) because of significantly reduced risk of access- related complications. 1,2 This is particularly pertinent to the patients with peripheral vascular disease. The distal radial artery (dRA) access in the anatomic snuffbox is a relatively novel technique and is considered useful when left TRA access is required because this allows natural working position for the operator. This case report highlights the additional benefit of using the dRA approach to recanalize the occluded radial artery (RA) in the wrist and then safely proceeding to PCI in a patient with severe peripheral vascular disease.