Fundamental Procedural Radiology Peri-Procedural Tasks: Establishing Vascular Access

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to discussing a topic central to procedural radiology: establishing vascular access. Any endovascular procedure will require vascular access as one of its initial steps, and it is one of the most common components of interventional procedures for this reason.

Establishing vascular access is a core concept and skill that is essential for many procedures. It must be well understood and implemented correctly for the proper practice of interventional radiology (image source).

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE ACCESS POINTS?

It is important to realize that there are a finite number of vascular access points that are routinely used in the field of interventional radiology, and they can be subdivided into arterial and venous access points.

Various access points can be used bilaterally for both arterial and venous access (image source).

Venous Access Points: click on the links to learn more about accessing each particular vessel

Internal Jugular Veins
Subclavian Veins
Basilic Veins
Brachial Veins
Femoral Veins

Arterial Access Points: click on the links to learn more about accessing each particular vessel

Radial Arteries
Femoral Arteries

Page Updated: 09.20.19