In Germany almost 1 million cardiac catheterizations are performed each year. These procedures can be done either by a transradial or a transfemoral approach. Today, the transradial approach is the recommended default strategy. Nevertheless, transfemoral access ist still frequently used. The main draw-back of a transfemoral approach are potential access site complications, which can sometimes be life-threatening. To reduce vascular complications ultrasound guided vessel puncture may be helpful.

In the "Ultrasound guided puncture of the femoral artery"-Study (US-Parfem) an optimized method of ultrasound guided femoral puncture will be evaluated. In this randomized study the new puncture technique combining ultrasound and fluoroscopy will be compared with the conventional method guided by vessel palpation and fluoroscopy. Primary endpoint of the study is the rate of primary successful puncture of the femoral common artery above the bifurcation and below the inguinal ligament ("first success rate").

Inclusion Criteria:

• transfemoral catheterization

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute myocardial infarction