Routine preprocedural ultrasound in palpation versus ultrasound guided radial access for cardiac catheterization.

BACKGROUND: The radial first approach in cardiac catheterization is preferred for its benefits in patient comfort and recovery time. Yet, challenges persist due to characteristics like small, deep, calcified, and mobile radial arteries. Utilizing ultrasound before and during procedures can improve success rates. However, the adoption of its use is still limited and subject to debate. AIM: To utilize routine preprocedural ultrasound (US) and compare US guided with palpation guided radial access, focusing on operator efficiency and outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consenting adult patients undergoing elective radial cardiac catheterization were divided into palpation and US groups. Routine preprocedural assessment of radial artery characteristics was performed using handheld US. Baseline data, US findings, procedural outcomes, and clinical outcomes were compared in 182 participants (91 in each group). US guided radial access had significantly higher first pass success rates (76.92% vs. 49.45%, p 0.0001), fewer number of attempts (1.46 ± 1 vs. 1.99 ± 1.46, p 0.004), and shorter amount of time (93.62 ± 44.04 vs. 120.44 ± 67.1, p 0.002) compared with palpation guidance. The palpation group had significantly higher incidence of spasm (15.38% vs. 3.3%, p 0.0052). Subgroup analysis indicated consistent benefits of US guidance, especially in calcified radial arteries. CONCLUSION: This prospective, nonrandomized, single-center study demonstrated that real-time procedural US improved the operator's time and effort and enhanced patient comfort compared with palpation. US guidance use was particularly favorable in the presence of calcifications observed on baseline preoperative US.

Current alternatives to traditional radial approach for coronary interventions: A randomized prospective study of the ulnar and distal radial approaches.

BACKGROUND: The radial artery is the standard access for coronary intervention; however, it is essential to have alternative accesses as it may be used as a conduit during coronary artery bypass grafting or for dialysis fistula. Ulnar and distal radial artery accesses have emerged as alternative accesses for traditional radial artery. AIM: To compare distal radial artery access and ulnar artery access as alternatives to traditional radial artery access regarding safety, efficacy, and success rate. METHODS: Two-hundred patients were included (100 traditional radial [TRA], 50 distal radial [DRA] and 50 ulnar). Access artery follow up ultrasound was performed up to 28 days. RESULTS: Procedural success rate was 97%, 74%, and 92% in the TRA, DRA and ulnar groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Crossover occurred in 3 patients (3%) in TRA, 13 patients (26%) in DRA and 4 cases (8%) in ulnar group (p < 0.001). The most common cause of crossover was failure of artery cannulation. Regarding cannulation time, the mean access time in seconds was 80.19 ± 25.98, 148.4 ± 29.60, 90.5 ± 21.84 in TRA, DRA and ulnar groups, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study concluded that these new approaches proved to be potential alternatives to traditional radial approach; however, ulnar artery access proved to be superior to distal radial artery access as regards success rate and cannulation time.

Mediastinal hematoma after trans-radial cerebral angiography: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Trans-radial (TRA) access has become increasingly prevalent in neurointervention. Nonetheless, mediastinal hematoma after TRA is an infrequent yet grave complication associated with a notably elevated mortality rate. While our review found no reported mediastinal hematoma cases managed conservatively within neuro-interventional literature, similar complications are documented in cardiac and vascular interventional radiology, indicating its potential occurrence across disciplines. CASE PRESENTATION: Carotid computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed calcified plaques with stenosis (Left: Severe, Right: Moderate) in the bilateral internal carotid arteries (ICAs) of an 81-year-old male presented with paroxysmal weakness in the right upper limb. Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel was administered. On day 7, DSA of the bilateral ICAs was performed via TRA. Post-DSA, the patient experienced transient loss of consciousness, chest tightness, and other symptoms without ECG or MRI abnormalities. Hemoglobin level decreased from 110 g/L to 92 g/L. Iodinated contrast-induced laryngeal edema was suspected, and the patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. Neck CT indicated a possible mediastinal hemorrhage, which chest CTA confirmed. The patient's treatment plan involved discontinuing antiplatelet medication as a precautionary measure against the potential occurrence of an ischemic stroke instead of the utilization of a covered stent graft and surgical intervention. Serial CTs revealed hematoma absorption. Discharge CT showed a reduced hematoma volume of 35 × 45 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This case underscores the need for timely identification and precise manipulation of guidewires and guide-catheters through trans-radial access. The critical components of successful neuro-interventional techniques include timely examination, rapid identification, proper therapy, and diligent monitoring.

A new imaging classification for safer radial access visceral intervention of the liver and optimal case selection: A preliminary report.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a new classification for safer transradial access hepatic interventional radiology, based on preoperative evaluation of the location of the left subclavian artery bifurcation in the aortic arch. METHODS: A total of 38 consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 74 sessions of radial access for visceral intervention (R.A.V.I.) were reviewed. We classified the location of the left subclavian artery bifurcation in the aortic arch in three areas using an oblique view computed tomography image matched with the curve of the aortic arches according to a new criteria Three Areas Criteria For R.A.V.I. (named "TAC-F-R"), and measured the required time from initial left radial artery arteriography to celiac artery or superior mesenteric artery arteriography. RESULTS: The median time required for left radial artery arteriography to the celiac artery or superior mesenteric artery arteriography in each of the three areas were: area A, 0:11:10 (h, min, s); area B, 0:14:44; and area C, 0:31:51. There were significant differences between each area after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.01; A vs. B, p = 0.086; A vs. C, p = 0.001; and B vs. C, p = 0.045), with areas A and B requiring a significantly shorter time. Finally, no patients showed neurogenic disfunction within 1 week after the R.A.V.I. CONCLUSIONS: The new classification, "TAC-F-R," for safer transradial access hepatic interventional radiology is effective for avoiding difficult cases, and selects more suitable patients with hepatocellular carcinoma for the R.A.V.I.

Complex high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention types, trends, and outcomes according to vascular access site.

BACKGROUND: Radial access is associated with improved outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, its role in complex, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (CHiP) remains poorly studied. METHODS: We studied retrospectively all registered patients's records from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society dataset and compared the baseline characteristics, trends and outcomes of CHiP procedures performed electively between January 2006 and December 2017 according to the access site. RESULTS: Out of 137,785 CHiP procedures, 61,825 (44.9%) were undertaken via transradial access (TRA). TRA use increased over time (14.6% in 2006 to 67% in 2017). The TRA patients were older, with a greater prevalence of previous stroke, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and smokers. TRA was used more frequently in most CHiP procedures (elderly (51.6%), chronic renal failure (52.6%), poor left ventricular (LV) function (47.6%), left main PCI (48.0%), treatment for severe vascular calcification (50.3%); although transfemoral access (TFA) was used more commonly in those with prior history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and PCI to a chronic total occlusion and LV support patients. Following adjustment for differences in clinical and procedural characteristics, TFA was independently associated with higher odds for mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.3 (1.1-1.7)], major bleeding [aOR: 2.9 (2.3-3.4)], and MACCE (following propensity score matching) [aOR: 1.2 (1.1-1.4)]. The same was found with multiple accesses: mortality [aOR: 2.1 (1.5-2.8)], major bleeding [aOR: 5.5 (4.3-6.9)], and MACCE [aOR: 1.4 (1.2-1.7)]. CONCLUSION: TRA has become the predominant access site for CHiP procedures and is associated with significantly lower mortality, major bleeding and MACCE odds than TFA.

Outcomes of same-day discharge following percutaneous coronary intervention in a rural population.

BACKGROUND: Same-day discharge (SDD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is safe, yet the nationwide rate of SDD remains low. The impact that residing in a rural area has on the safety of SDD is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety of SDD compared to next-day discharge (NDD) among PCI patients living in a largely rural area. METHODS: There were 3502 outpatient elective PCIs at a tertiary care center between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017. Data from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI Registry® and the electronic medical records were obtained for patient demographics, procedural characteristics, and procedural outcomes. Data from the initial PCI in each 365-day period were included in the analysis for each patient. Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes 4-10 were used to define rural status. RESULTS: A total of 2099 (59.9%) PCIs met the inclusion criteria (63% rural). The overall rate of SDD increased over time (4.7% in 2011 to 39.6% in 2017) as radial access increased (14.2% in 2011 to 59.9% in 2017). In this population, a total of 329 PCIs had SDD (15.7%; median (interquartile range) age 66.0 (14.0) years, 20.1% female, 52.3% rural status). Compared to NDD, SDD patients had less hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, history of coronary artery bypass graft, and more radial access. SDD was noninferior to NDD for 30-day readmission but had a decreased 1-year (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-0.81, p = 0.024) and 5-year (aOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28-0.66, p < 0.001) all-cause mortality compared to NDD. Rural status did not predict outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: SDD in patients in rural areas does not have a significantly higher rate of 30-day readmission. SDD patients had lower odds of 1- and 5-year mortality when compared to NDD. Future studies prospectively evaluating the safety of SDD in this population are warranted.

Distal radial access for neuroangiography and neurointerventions: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown that coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via distal radial access (DRA) are safe and effective. Safety and efficacy of neuroangiography and neurointerventions via DRA are unknown. PURPOSE: Search the literatures on neuroangiography and neurointerventions via DRA and conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane were searched from inception to November 10, 2022. After literature screening, data extraction and assessment of literature quality, random effects model was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 236 literatures were retrieved, and 17 literatures including 1163 patients were finally included for meta-analysis.The pooled access success rate was 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.94-0.98), and the heterogeneity was obvious (I2 = 55.5%). The pooled access-related complications incidence rate was 0.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.05), and the heterogeneity was not obvious (I2 = 15.8%). CONCLUSION: Neuroangiography and neurointerventions via DRA may be safe and effective. DRA is an alternative access for neuroangiography and neurointerventions.

A novel technique to perform cerebral angiography via the left radial approach: An 80 patients series.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate that left radial access for diagnostic cerebral angiography with Extra backup and 4F vertebral catheters is feasible and safe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of our prospective database on left radial access for cerebral angiography procedures, using an extra backup catheter associated with a 4Fr vertebral catheter, performed between March and September 2019. Patient demographics, procedural and radiographic metrics as well as clinical data were recorded. RESULTS: Seventy five patients with mean age of 51...years (range 21...73) underwent 80 cerebral angiographies. An average of four vessels were catheterized and mean fluoroscopy times per subject and vessel were was of 13.9 and 3.3...min, respectively. One patient required crossover to transfemoral access because of radial artery spasm. There were one asymptomatic distal radial artery occlusion and one patient presenting with asymptomatic skin blanching area on the forearm, just proximal to the tip of the sheath, that spontaneously resolved within an hour. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic cerebral angiography via left radial access is feasible and safe and allows to preserve the right radial access for future neurointerventions while providing more comfort to the right handed patient.

Radial artery occlusion after aneurysm treatment using the rist guide catheter: Single center cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Delayed radial artery occlusion (dRAO) is a frequent complication after transradial access (TRA) for neurointervention when using standard large guide catheters. The RIST 079 guide catheter (RIST GC) is the first catheter designed for TRA in neurointervention. We aimed to assess the rate of dRAO after intracranial aneurysm (IA) treatment using the RIST GC. METHODS: Patients treated for an IA using TRA and the RIST GC between June 2021 and November 2022 were referred to a systematic US-doppler assessment of the radial artery patency at 3-month follow-up. Patients with and without dRAO were compared to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included in the analysis. At 3-months follow up, 6 patients (27.3 %) presented with dRAO. Four patients were asymptomatic and 2 experienced post-operative radial hematoma and wrist pain. There was a tendency towards younger age, longer procedure duration and higher rate of forearm hematoma in patients with dRAO. Navigation using the RIST GC was successful in 90.9 % of cases. Intracranial access failures and navigation complications were all related to left internal carotid artery navigation. CONCLUSIONS: At 3-month follow up, 27.3 % of patients treated for IA using TRA with the RIST GC presented dRAO.

Distal versus conventional radial access for coronary angiography and intervention: Design and rationale of DISCO RADIAL study.

BACKGROUND: Transradial access (TRA) has become the default access method for coronary diagnostic and interventional procedures. As compared to transfemoral access, TRA has been shown to be safer, cost-effective and more patient-friendly. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) represents the most frequent complication of TRA, and precludes future coronary procedures through the radial artery, the use of the radial artery as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting or as arteriovenous fistula for patients on hemodialysis. Recently, distal radial access (DRA) has emerged as a promising alternative to TRA, yielding potential for minimizing the risk of RAO. However, an international multicenter randomized comparison between DRA, and conventional TRA with respect to the rate of RAO is still lacking. TRIAL DESIGN: DISCO RADIAL is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled, superiority trial. A total of 1300 eligible patients will be randomly allocated to undergo coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through DRA or TRA using the 6 Fr Glidesheath Slender sheath introducer. Extended experience with both TRA and DRA is required for operators' eligibility and optimal evidence-based best practice to reduce RAO systematically implemented by protocol. The primary endpoint is the incidence of forearm RAO assessed by vascular ultrasound at discharge. Several important secondary endpoints will also be assessed, including access-site cross-over, hemostasis time, and access-site related complications. SUMMARY: The DISCO RADIAL trial will provide the first large-scale multicenter randomized evidence comparing DRA to TRA in patients scheduled for coronary angiography or PCI with respect to the incidence of RAO at discharge.

Percutaneous radial artery access for peripheral vascular interventions is a safe alternative for upper extremity access.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous radial artery access has been increasingly used for peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs). Our goal was to characterize the practice patterns and perioperative outcomes among patients treated using PVI performed via radial artery access. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative was queried from 2016 to 2020 for PVI performed via upper extremity access. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the periprocedure outcomes of radial artery access cases. A separate sample of brachial artery access cases was used as a comparator. RESULTS: A total of 520 radial artery access cases were identified. The mean age was 69 ± 10 years, and 41.3% were women. Most procedures were performed in the hospital outpatient setting (71.7%). The sheath size was ≤5F for 10%, 6F for 78%, and 7F for 12%. Ultrasound-guided access and protamine were used in 68.3% and 17.3% of cases, respectively. The interventions were aortoiliac (55%), femoropopliteal (55%), and infrapopliteal (9%). Stenting and atherectomy were performed in 55% and 19% of cases, respectively, and more often with 7F sheaths. Access site complications were any hematoma (4.8%), including hematomas resulting in intervention (0.8%), pseudoaneurysms (1%), and access stenosis or occlusion (0.8%). On multivariable analysis, sheath size was not associated with access site complications. Percutaneous brachial artery access (n = 1135) compared with radial access was independently associated with more overall hematomas (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.81; P = .03). However, access type was not associated with hematomas resulting in intervention (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-6.72; P = .19). CONCLUSIONS: PVIs via radial artery access exhibited a low prevalence of postprocedural access site complications and were associated with fewer minor hematoma complications compared with interventions performed using brachial artery access. Radial artery access compared with brachial artery access should be the preferred technique for PVIs.

Reduction of door-to-balloon time in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction by single-catheter primary percutaneous coronary intervention method.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study is to confirm reduction of door-to-balloon (D2B) time with single-catheter percutaneous coronary intervention (SC-PCI) method. BACKGROUND: Reduction of total ischemic time is important in the emergency treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). There have been no established methods in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to shorten ischemic time via radial access. Ikari left curve was reported as a universal guiding catheter for left and right coronary arteries. Several procedure steps can be skipped by SC-PCI method as the advantage of a universal catheter. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of a total of 1,275 consecutive STEMI cases treated with primary PCI in 14 hospitals. Patients were divided into two groups, SC-PCI method (n = 298) and conventional PCI method (n = 977). Primary endpoints were door-to-balloon (D2B) time and radiation exposure dose. RESULTS: The mean age was 68 ± 13 years old. Radial access was used in 85% of participants. PCI success was achieved in 99.5% of participants and the SC-PCI method was successfully performed in 92.6%. The D2B time was shorter (68 ± 46 vs. 74 ± 50 min, respectively; p = .02), and the radiation exposure dose was lower (1,664 ± 970 vs. 2008 ± 1,605 mGy, respectively; p < .0001) in the SC-PCI group than in the conventional group. CONCLUSION: Primary PCI with SC-PCI method for patients with STEMI demonstrated shorter D2B time and lower radiation exposure dose.

Sex differences in time to primary percutaneous coronary intervention and outcomes in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed sex differences in treatment and outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: Historically, delays to timely reperfusion and poorer outcomes have been described in women who suffer STEMI. However, whether these sex discrepancies still exist with contemporary STEMI treatment remains to be evaluated. METHODS: Consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary PCI patients over a 10-year period (January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019) from a tertiary referral center were assessed. Comparisons were performed between patient's sex. Primary outcomes were 30-day and 1-year mortality. Secondary outcomes were STEMI performance measures. RESULTS: Most patients (n = 950; 76%) were male. Females were on average older (66.8 vs. 61.4 years males; p < 0.001). Prehospital treatment delays did not differ between sexes (54 min [IQR: 44-65] females vs. 52 min [IQR: 43-62] males; p = 0.061). STEMI performance measures (door-to-balloon, first medical contact-to-balloon [FMCTB]) differed significantly with longer median durations in females and fewer females achieving FMCTB < 90 min (28% females vs. 39% males; p < 0.001). Women also experienced greater rates of initial radial arterial access failure (11.3% vs. 3.1%; p < 0.001). However, there were no significant sex differences in crude or adjusted mortality between sexes at 30-days (3.6% male vs. 5.1% female; p = 0.241, adjusted OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.5-2.2, p = 0.82) or at 1-year (4.8% male vs. 6.8% female; p = 0.190, adjusted OR: 1.0, (95% CI: 0.5-1.8; p = 0.96). CONCLUSION: Small discrepancies between sexes in measures of timely reperfusion for STEMI still exist. No significant sex differences were observed in either 30-day or 1-year mortality.

Radial access for chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the PROGRESS-CTO registry.

Use of radial access for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been increasing. We examined the clinical characteristics and procedural outcomes of patients who underwent CTO PCI with radial versus femoral access in the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO, NCT02061436). Of 10,954 patients who underwent CTO PCI at 55 centers in 7 countries between 2012 and 2022, 2578 (24%) had a radial only approach. Patients who underwent radial only access were younger (63 ± 10 vs. 65 ± 10, years, p &lt; 0.001), more likely to be men (84% vs. 81%, p = 0.001), and had significantly lower prevalence of comorbidities compared with the femoral access group including diabetes mellitus (39% vs. 45%, p &lt; 0.001) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (57% vs. 64%, p &lt; 0.001). In addition, radial only cases had lower angiographic complexity with lower J-CTO and PROGRESS-CTO scores. After adjusting for potential confounders, radial only access was associated with lower risk of access site complications (odds ratio [OR]: 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.91), similar technical success (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.74-1.04) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.40-1.07), compared with the femoral access group. Radial only access was used in 24% of CTO PCIs and was associated with lower access site complications, and similar technical success and MACE as compared with the femoral access group.

TRIACCESS Study: Randomized Comparison Between Radial, Femoral, and Pedal Access for Percutaneous Femoro-popliteal Artery Angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized study was to compare the success and complication rates of different access sites for the treatment of superficial artery stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 180 consecutive patients were randomized in a prospective study to treat symptomatic superficial femoral artery stenosis via radial (RA), femoral (FA), or pedal artery (PA) access. Technical success was achieved in 96.7%, 100%, and 100% of the patients in the RA, FA, and PA groups, respectively (p=0.33). Secondary access sites were used in 30%, 3.3%, and 30% of the patients in the RA, FA, and PA access groups, respectively (p=0.0002). Recanalization for chronic total occlusion was performed in 34/36 (94.4%), 30/30 (100%), and 46/46 (100%) patients in the RA, FA, and PA groups, respectively (p=0.17). The X-ray dose was significantly lower in the PA group than that in the RA and FA access groups (63.1 vs 162 vs 153 Dyn, p=0.0004). The cumulative rates of access site complications in the RA, FA, and PA groups were 3.3% (0% major and 3.3% minor), 16.7% (3.3% major and 13.3% minor), and 3.3% (3.3% major and 0% minor) (p=0.0085), respectively. The cumulative incidence of MACEs at 6 months in the RA, FA, and PA groups was 5%, 6.7%, and 1.7%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of MALEs at 6 months in the RA, FA, and PA groups was 20%, 16.7%, and 9.2%, respectively (p=0.54). CONCLUSION: Femoral artery intervention can be safely and effectively performed using radial, femoral, and pedal access, but radial and pedal access is associated with a lower access site complication rate and hospitalization. Pedal access is associated with a lower X-ray dose than that with radial and femoral access.

Acceptance and safety of femoral versus radial access for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): results from a large monitor-controlled German registry (QuIK).

BACKGROUND: In 2015 and 2018, European Society of Cardiology guidelines for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) favoring radial access over femoral access were published. These recommendations were based on randomized trials suggesting that patients treated radially experienced reduced bleeding complications and all-cause mortality. We aimed to assess acceptance and results of radial access in a real-world scenario by analyzing all PCI cases in the Quality Assurance in Invasive Cardiology (QuIK) registry. METHODS: The QuIK registry prospectively collects data on all diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures from 148 private practice cardiology centers in Germany. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACE) were defined as myocardial infarction, stroke, or death during hospitalization. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2018, 189,917 patients underwent PCI via either access method. The rate of radial approach steadily increased from 13 to 49%. The groups did not differ significantly with respect to age or extent of coronary disease. Femoral approach was significantly more common in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. Overall, there were significant differences in MACE (radial 0.12%; femoral 0.24%; p < 0.0009) and access site complications (radial 0.2%; femoral 0.8% (p < 0.0009). CONCLUSION: Our data reveals an increase in use of radial access in recent years in Germany. The radial approach emerged as favorable regarding MACE in non-myocardial infarction patients, as well as favorable regarding access site complication regardless of indication for percutaneous intervention.

Rotational atherectomy via the transradial access: success rates, procedural parameters and complications.

Radial access is recommended for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but rotational atherectomy remains frequently performed via femoral access. Analyzing the procedural parameters, success rate and complications of rotational atherectomy, performed via radial in comparison to femoral access. We retrospectively analyzed 427 consecutive patients undergoing rotational atherectomy. Procedural parameters and outcome were determined in 171 patients, scheduled for radial and compared to 256 patients with femoral access use. In the radial access group (74 ± 9 years, 84% male), the LAD was most frequently treated (49%). Sheath size was 7F in 59% and 6F in 41%, burr size was 1.5 mm in 46% and 1.25 mm in 14% of patients. A temporary pacemaker was inserted in 14%. Procedural success rate stood at 97%. Access site complications occurred in 4% of patients, which was significantly less frequent than in in 256 patients treated via femoral access (13% p = 0.003). Compared to radial access, femoral access was associated with the use of larger sheaths (p < 0.001), more frequent treatment of non-LAD vessels (58.2% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.013) and a higher rate of temporary pacemaker use (27%; p = 0.001). No differences could be seen in procedural success (p = 0.83) and burr size (p = 0.51). Femoral access (OR 3.33; 95% CI 1.40-7.93), and female sex (OR3.40 95% CI 1.69-6.63) were independent predictors for access site complications. For coronary rotational atherectomy, radial access has a high success rate with overall use of smaller sheaths, but of equally sized burrs as well as a significant lower rate of access site-related complications than femoral access.

Contralateral Transradial Access for Coil Embolization of Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Associated With a Steep Ipsilateral A1-A2 Angle.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular treatment of distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms is commonly addressed via the ipsilateral A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery. However, when the parent pericallosal artery has a sharp ipsilateral A1-A2 angle, catheterization through the ipsilateral A1 segment can potentially result in vessel injury, catheter kinking, and/or compromised/stagnant anterior cerebral artery flow. Here, we present a case of a distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm associated with a steep ipsilateral A1-A2 angle treated with contralateral transradial coil embolization. CASE PRESENTATION: A 91-year-old woman presented with a ruptured left distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm at the A3 segment. The parent pericallosal artery had a steep ipsilateral A1-A2 angle. To safely achieve coil embolization of the aneurysm, a contralateral transradial system via the right A1 segment was employed. Although a secondary ipsilateral transradial system was required for contrast injection, aneurysm obliteration was successfully achieved without vessel injury or system instability. CONCLUSION: The A1-A2 angle can be a key anatomical factor in the endovascular treatment of distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. The contralateral transradial system is a useful treatment option for distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms associated with sharp ipsilateral A1-A2 angles. However, if the distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm cannot be clearly visualized through the contralateral system, an ipsilateral system will be required for contrast injection.

Transradial quadraxial system for coil embolization of distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms: A radial-first center case series and literature review.

PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment is technically challenging as distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms have distal location, small-caliber parent artery, and small size/wide neck. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of the transradial approach (TRA) with a radial-specific neurointerventional guiding sheath as the first-line technique for DACA aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed an institutional database of consecutive patients with DACA aneurysm who underwent coil embolization using TRA. Ten consecutive patients were included in this study. After the radial-specific 6F Simmons guiding sheath (0.088″ inner diameter) was completely engaged into the target common carotid artery, a quadraxial system (6F Simmons guiding sheath/6F intermediate catheter/3.2F intermediate catheter/single microcatheter) was used for embolization. Then, we assessed for procedural success, angiographic outcomes, and procedure-related or vascular access site complications. RESULTS: Embolization procedures were conducted using simple coiling in eight and stent-assisted coiling with the trans-cell approach in two patients. The embolization procedure was successful in all patients (n = 10). Moreover, none presented with catheter kinking, parent artery flow stagnation, or system instability during the procedure. Immediate postprocedural angiography revealed complete obliteration in six and residual neck in four patients. Then, eight patients underwent follow-up angiography at a mean of 7.1 months, and none developed recanalization or required retreatment. The postprocedural course was uneventful, and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: The transradial quadraxial system had the ability to achieve sufficient stability and kink resistance in DACA aneurysm embolization. Thus, this method was feasible and safe and had a high success rate.

Radial versus femoral access for coronary interventions: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: It is still debated if benefits associated with radial versus femoral access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are due to the access site selection itself, operator expertise or other underlying mechanisms. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and meeting abstracts for randomized trials comparing radial versus femoral access site for coronary angiography and PCI. Primary safety endpoint was major bleeding. Coprimary efficacy endpoints were stroke and myocardial infarction (MI). This study is registered with PROSPERO. RESULTS: We identified 31 trials (30,096 patients, PCI performed in 21,225 patients). Radial compared to femoral access was associated with a significant risk reduction in major bleeding (OR 0.53, 95%CI 0.42-0.66, I2  = 3.3%). Findings were consistent regardless of clinical characteristics or whether coronary angiography was performed with or without PCI. The benefit of radial access was significantly increased in studies published before 2010 and in patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Risk for stroke (OR 1.11, 95%CI 0.76-1.64, I2  = 0%) and MI (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.79-1.04, I2  = 0%) were comparable between the groups. Risk for mortality and vascular complications were significantly lower with radial than femoral access. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing coronary angiography and PCI, radial access is associated with a significant risk reduction in bleeding, vascular complications, and mortality compared to femoral access. The risk of stroke or MI were comparable in patients with radial or femoral access.