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Radial vs Femoral Access — EECC MCQ

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EasyCoronary Artery DiseaseRadial vs Femoral AccessEECC

A 58-year-old man undergoes primary PCI for an inferior STEMI via right radial access. Which advantage does radial over femoral access confer in the context of primary PCI for STEMI?

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Correct answer: D — Reduction in major bleeding and vascular access-site complications

The MATRIX and RIVAL trials demonstrated that radial access for PCI significantly reduces major bleeding and vascular access-site complications compared with femoral access. The MATRIX trial also showed a mortality benefit in STEMI patients. The 2023 ESC ACS Guidelines recommend radial access as default (Class I, LOE A). Radial access does not reduce door-to-balloon time (may be slightly longer for inexperienced operators) and guide catheter size may be more limited, though 7Fr radial is now feasible.

Reference: ESC (2023): Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes