Vascular Access and Closure Devices Flashcards

Radial artery spasm during transradial catheterization is best managed initially with:

Answer: Intra-arterial nitroglycerin or verapamil through the sheath

Intra-arterial vasodilators such as nitroglycerin or verapamil administered through the sheath are first-line treatment for radial artery spasm.

What is the recommended activated clotting time (ACT) target during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with unfractionated heparin?

Answer: 250–300 seconds

An ACT of 250–300 seconds is the standard anticoagulation target during PCI with unfractionated heparin to prevent catheter-related thrombosis.

After femoral sheath removal, a pulsatile mass develops at the access site — this is most consistent with:

Answer: Femoral pseudoaneurysm

A pulsatile mass at the femoral access site after sheath removal is the classic presentation of a pseudoaneurysm, confirmed by ultrasound with a characteristic to-and-fro Doppler signal.

Which hemostasis device is most commonly used to achieve radial artery compression after transradial catheterization?

Answer: TR Band (transradial compression device)

The TR Band is a pneumatic wristband device specifically designed for radial artery hemostasis after transradial catheterization.

Subclavian vascular access for catheterization carries the highest risk of which complication compared to femoral or radial access?

Answer: Pneumothorax

Subclavian vascular access carries a significant risk of pneumothorax due to the proximity of the subclavian vessels to the lung apex.

What is the primary purpose of using hydrophilic-coated sheaths for transradial access?

Answer: Decrease sheath insertion force and reduce arterial trauma and spasm

Hydrophilic-coated sheaths reduce friction during insertion and withdrawal, minimizing trauma to the radial artery and decreasing the risk of spasm.