Another approach to vascular access

85% of vascular procedures worldwide are performed using the femoral artery at the groin, and in the United States the percentage is even higher.  However, over the last 15 years, there has been increased interest in performing these procedures using a smaller artery in the wrist called the radial artery.

The radial artery is located close to the surface of the skin, allowing for easy access to the artery for your vascular procedure. After the procedure, just as with the femoral artery, the access site needs to be closed to prevent bleeding. One of the reasons why physicians are using the radial artery for vascular access instead of the femoral artery is for patient comfort. With radial artery closure, the patient can sit up-right during the time it takes for the artery to stop bleeding. In addition, more and more physicians are using the radial artery for vascular access, as recent data has shown a reduction in bleeding and vascular complications with radial access procedures compared to femoral access procedures.¹

Although there are many advantages of radial access, it is not suitable for everyone.  A physician must have specific training to access your radial artery.  Additionally, if your natural anatomy does not provide complete circulation to your hand, your physician may advise access through the femoral artery.  Your doctor will determine the best access point for your procedure. If radial access is right for you, your doctor may choose to stop the bleeding with the Bengal Radial Compression Band.

Meet the Bengal Band

The Bengal Radial Compression Band was developed in partnership with an interventional cardiologist specializing in radial procedures as a simple and effective solution for radial compression.

The device is easy to put on, adjust, and remove when the bleeding has stopped and, similar to the Mynx Vascular Closure Device, was designed with patient comfort in mind: A comfortable gel compression pad covers the radial artery during compression, and additional gel padding on the strap protects the back of the wrist.

The compression pad has a unique shape that distributes pressure along the radial artery, while leaving the ulnar artery free from compression. The ulnar artery runs along the other side of your wrist and provides blood flow to your hand during the procedure. In addition, a transparent window on the back of the device allows the nurse to monitor your access site, until the access site has stopped bleeding.

¹ J Am Coll Cardiol Intv, 2008; 1:379-386, doi:10.1016/j.jcin.2008.05.007