Management of radial artery perforation during transradial catheterization using a polytetrafluoroethylene-covered coronary stent

An 88-year-old woman underwent attempted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through a right radial approach. Catheterization was complicated by radial artery perforation. Conservative therapeutic options including external compression, advancement of a diagnostic catheter distal to the perforation, and balloon tamponade failed to control the bleeding requiring deployment of a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stent to seal the perforation. We describe the stepwise approach advocated for managing a radial perforation and summarize relevant literature available for the same.