Thin-walled access sheath to hold a larger guide: New technology specifically for transradial access.

Vascular access sheaths are now available with thin walls specifically designed for transradial use. A thin-walled sheath with an outside diameter on the same order of size as a 6-F traditional sheath can carry a 7-F guiding catheter. While the larger-sized guides may increase the interventional options for the radial operator, a hazard from vascular damage due to the larger-sized lumens may exist and points to a need for further improvement in radial specific equipment.