Upper Extremity Venous Access.

The veins of the upper extremity have provided a great impact for access to the central venous system and cardiac structures from the beginning of modern cardiology. With the utility of advanced techniques like ultrasound, angioplasty-type wires, and fluoroscopy, forearm venous access is increasingly being used for both cardiac and noncardiac procedure. Many advances have occurred that incorporate upper extremity venous access into modern day practices of interventional procedures. The ability to use less radiation, shorter procedure times, and increased patient satisfaction has impacted this shift and will continue to expand the utility of upper extremity venous access.