Large-Bore Transfemoral Arterial Access: Techniques and Troubleshooting

Aortic pathologies such as dissection, aneurysm, or blunt aortic injury have historically been treated via open surgical repair; however, the advent of endovascular stent graft technology has allowed for endovascular aortic repair in more and more patients. With improvements in stent graft technology and delivery systems, more patients are now candidates for endovascular aortic repair; however, many will require large-bore transfemoral arterial access. Percutaneous transfemoral arterial access includes the introduction of a large-bore sheath directly into the iliofemoral arterial system for the deployment of aortic stent grafts. Advancements in percutaneous arterial closure and reductions in device delivery profiles have further refined this technique; however, careful preprocedural planning and technical precision are required to minimize complications. This article covers the fundamentals of large-bore transfemoral arterial access as well as technical pearls for successful outcomes.