In the Seldinger technique for vascular access, the correct sequence of steps after skin puncture is:

• A Guidewire → Catheter → Dilator → Sheath
• B Catheter → Guidewire → Dilator → Sheath
• C Needle → Guidewire → Dilator → Sheath → Catheter ✓
• D Needle → Dilator → Guidewire → Sheath → Catheter

Explanation

The classic Seldinger technique: 1) Puncture the vessel with a needle, 2) Confirm arterial/venous access by blood return, 3) Pass a guidewire through the needle into the vessel lumen, 4) Remove the needle over the guidewire, 5) Make a small nick, 6) Pass a dilator(s) over the guidewire to dilate the tract, 7) Place an introducer sheath, 8) Insert the catheter/device through the sheath. The guidewire always precedes dilation and catheterization, allowing exchange without repeated vessel puncture. This technique revolutionized vascular interventional radiology.

Reference: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.