Transradial PCI is the clinical term for angioplasty that accesses the heart's coronary arteries via the wrist. Traditionally, clinicians use the femoral artery in the groin, but a growing number of doctors in Europe, Canada, and Asia are using the radial artery in the wrist because it is associated with less bleeding and quicker patient mobilization. There is resistance, however, in the US to switch over. Although the exact reasons for the US lag are unknown, some feel the technique is hard to learn, takes too long, or that it should be performed only in select patients. As a result, many residents aren't taught the technique in their residency because so few clinicians are practicing the approach.
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