Abstract
Diagnostic and catheterization procedures concerning the arteriae coronariae belongs to the most frequent invasive methods used in the cardiology. The radial approach (using the arteria radialis) is a recently introduced technique with lower post-operative risk and better comfort of the patient compared to the femoral approach.
Although nearly one-fourth of the patients features variation and anomaly within the arterial network of the upper extremity, the catheterization via the arteria radialis and the planned intervention on the arteriae coronariae is almost always successful. The elementary textbook schema of the arteria radialis anatomy is present in 86 % of cases, of the arteria axillaris in less than 50 % of cases.
The article reports on the detailed anatomical description of the principal arterial trunks of the upper limb, which are the conduit for the leading wire in the radial approach catheterization, introduction of their embryology including a new theory, helpful to clarify the origin of all types of abnormalities (variations) of the arteria radialis, ulnaris et brachialis and their branches. The thorough knowledge of the upper limb arteries anatomy is important for solving of sudden and unexpected situations during the radial approach catheterization