What are some complications unique to brachial access?
There is a small risk of stroke associated with brachial access. The arm cannot tolerate large hematomas, and bleeding after removal of a catheter or sheath may result in a compartment syndrome. If a hematoma does develop, it must be followed up carefully to ensure that neurovascular compromise does not occur. Surgical evacuation of the hematoma may be required to prevent a neurologic deficit. In recent years, many practitioners have shifted to radial access, because there is theoretically less risk of limb ischemia and upper extremity neurologic complications.
