Abstract
The distal radial or “snuffbox” approach is a modification of the traditional radial approach that uses a more distal location of the radial artery for puncture. The radial artery at this location is beyond the palmer arch thus puncturing has a theoretically lower risk of hand or thumb ischemia. In addition, the hand is positioned in the neutral position so it is more comfortable for the patient. Finally, the compression times are shorter so the patient can be discharged earlier after diagnostic procedures. This was originally an interventional cardiology innovation because of the frequent use of left radial access in interventional cardiology, but the approach has benefits for right radial access in neurointervention as well. The patient positioning and technical nuances of the snuffbox approach are reviewed.