Comparison of long-term radial artery occlusion via distal vs. conventional transradial access (CONDITION): a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The distal transradial access (dTRA) has become an attractive and alternative access to the conventional transradial access (TRA) for cardiovascular interventional diagnosis and/or treatment. There was a lack of randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effect of the dTRA on the long-term radial artery occlusion (RAO). METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized controlled study. The primary endpoint was the incidence of long-term RAO at 3 months after discharge. The secondary endpoints included the successful puncture rate, puncture time, and other access-related complications. RESULTS: The incidence of long-term RAO was 0.8% (3/361) for dTRA and 3.3% (12/365) for TRA (risk ratio = 0.25, 95% confidence interval = 0.07-0.88, P = 0.02). The incidence of RAO at 24 h was significantly lower in the dTRA group than in the TRA group (2.5% vs. 6.7%, P < 0.01). The puncture success rate (96.0% vs. 98.5%, P = 0.03) and single puncture attempt (70.9% vs. 83.9%, P < 0.01) were significantly lower in the dTRA group than in the TRA group. However, the number of puncture attempts and puncture time were higher in the dTRA group. The dTRA group had a lower incidence of bleeding than the TRA group (1.5% vs. 6.0%, P < 0.01). There was no difference in the success rate of the procedure, total fluoroscopy time, or incidence of other access-related complications between the two groups. In the per-protocol analysis, the incidence of mEASY type ≥ II haematoma was significantly lower in the dTRA group, which was consistent with that in the as-treated analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The dTRA significantly reduced the incidence of long-term RAO, bleeding or haematoma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifer: NCT05253820.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the Axiostat® dressing device to achieve radial artery access hemostasis: The R3A study.

BACKGROUND: Radial access is the default approach in interventional cardiology. The Axiostat® surgical hemostatic dressing, using chitosan as its active component, has demonstrated potential in accelerating blood clotting. This study aims to assess the efficacy and the safety of the Axiostat® dressing in achieving hemostasis in patients undergoing transradial coronary angioplasty (TRCA). METHODS: This prospective, single-center observational study, conducted in 2022, enrolled consecutive patients undergoing TRCA, with a target of 150 participants. The primary outcome was the success rate of radial artery hemostasis at 120 min, without bleeding necessitating immediate re-compression. The secondary outcome included Axiostat® performance at 24 h and 30 days Postprocedure. RESULTS: The study was terminated prematurely for ethical and patient safety reasons, after inclusion of 41 consecutive TRCA patients due to an unexpectedly high radial artery thrombosis rate (19.5%, n = 8/41) observed 24 h Postprocedure. The success rate of radial hemostasis with the Axiostat® dressing was 78.0%. Procedural details and patient characteristics were comparable between successful Axiostat® removal and device failure cases. CONCLUSION: The use of the Axiostat® dressing to achieve hemostasis after TRCA is effective but is associated with an unexpectedly high incidence of radial thrombosis. Our results should encourage caution in the future evaluation and use of this device for radial artery compression following TRCA.

How to Omit the Potential Pitfalls in Distal Radial Access: Lessons From Cadaveric and CTA Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To verify the anatomical basis, ideal puncture sites, and potential pitfalls of the distal radial artery (dRA) in the anatomical snuffbox region for distal radial access (dTRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 26 formalin-fixed upper limbs and computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the upper limbs of 168 consecutive patients were studied. Cadaveric dissection and dRA 3D reconstruction were used to evaluate the dRA route for dTRA. The puncture sites, dRA diameter, and angle of the dRA and tendons of the extensor pollicis brevis were also measured in the patients and cadavers. RESULTS: The cadaver dissection provided more insights than did the dRA 3D reconstruction. However, preoperative evaluation had better diagnostic accuracy (p=0.024). Puncture sites 1 and 3 had a high success rate (63.2% possible success rate, 191/302). The DISFAVOR theory was put forward, in which 8 types of potential pitfalls that may interrupt puncture procedure or lead to a surgical failure were observed, including occlusion, stenosis, tortuosity, arteriovenous fistula, angioma, different radial artery (RA) ramifications, radial veins, and cephalic veins. The mean diameter of dRA based on cadaver dissection and CTA was 2.53 (SD=0.73) and 2.63 (SD=0.69) mm, respectively. Furthermore, the minimum distance from the outer layer of dRA to the skin was 5.71 (SD=2.0) mm based on CTA. The angle between the dRA and tendons of extensor pollicis brevis (TEPB) based on cadaver dissection and CTA was 58.0° (SD=21.5°) and 51.8° (SD=16.6°), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Puncture sites 1 and 3 were more suitable for the dTRA, and we put forward the DISFAVOR theory to summarize the 8 types of potential pitfalls during the use of dTRA.

Feasibility of early radial artery occlusion recanalization and reuse through transradial access for neuroendovascular procedures.

BACKGROUND: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) remains a significant limitation of neuroendovascular procedures peformed through transradial access (TRA) when radial artery needs to be reused. Instances of early RAO recanalization to successfully complete neuroendovascular procedures have been rarely documented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Documents and imaging data were extracted retrospectively for all patients who underwent TRA diagnostic angiography and neuroendovascular procedures in our center from June 2022 to February 2023. The patients with early RAO who required repeat TRA were included. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients underwent repeat TRA, and 13 consecutive patients who experienced early RAO after angiography as confirmed by ultrasonography were enrolled in this study. The occluded radial arteries were successfully recanalized, and subsequent neuroendovascular procedures were carried out successful. During an average follow-up time of 7.1 months, no patients exhibited symptomatic RAO, dissection, hematoma or pseudoaneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: Early RAO recanalization and reused for neuroendovascular procedures through TRA is feasible. A visually guided and stable puncture process plays a crucial role in successfully recanalizing early RAO.

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.

Trans-radial artery microcatheter angiography-assisted juvenile ruptured brainstem arteriovenous malformation resection.

BACKGROUND: Due to their crucial functional location, surgical treatment of brainstem arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has always been challenging. For unruptured AVMs, we can determine whether radiological therapy, interventional treatment, or surgical resection is feasible based on the AVM structure. However, for ruptured AVMs, microsurgical resection and interventional embolization are effective methods to prevent further rupture. In the microsurgical resection of AVMs, we usually use a hybrid operation to confirm the AVM structure and determine if the AVM is completely resected during the surgery. METHOD: We report a case of juvenile ruptured brainstem AVM resection. The right lateral position and left suboccipital retrosigmoid approach were used. We established an interventional approach via left radial artery and set a microcatheter in the feeding artery. Methylene blue injection via a microcatheter showed the AVM structure, and we totally resected the brainstem AVM under electrophysiological monitoring and navigation. Intraoperative angiography was performed to ensure complete resection without residual nidus. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that the trans-radial approach is convenient and safe for special positions in hybrid operations. Methylene blue injection via a microcatheter in the feeding artery provides clearer visualization of the AVM structure under the microscope.

Transradial Versus Transfemoral Access for Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of transradial access (TRA) over transfemoral access (TFA) for bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are uncertain because of the limited availability of device selection. This study aimed to compare the procedural differences and the in-hospital and long-term outcomes of TRA and TFA for bifurcation PCI using second-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs). METHODS: Based on data from the Coronary Bifurcation Stenting Registry III, a retrospective registry of 2,648 patients undergoing bifurcation PCI with second-generation DES from 21 centers in South Korea, patients were categorized into the TRA group (n = 1,507) or the TFA group (n = 1,141). After propensity score matching (PSM), procedural differences, in-hospital outcomes, and device-oriented composite outcomes (DOCOs; a composite of cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization) were compared between the two groups (772 matched patients each group). RESULTS: Despite well-balanced baseline clinical and lesion characteristics after PSM, the use of the two-stent strategy (14.2% vs. 23.7%, P = 0.001) and the incidence of in-hospital adverse outcomes, primarily driven by access site complications (2.2% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.015), were significantly lower in the TRA group than in the TFA group. At the 5-year follow-up, the incidence of DOCOs was similar between the groups (6.3% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.639). CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that TRA may be safer than TFA for bifurcation PCI using second-generation DESs. Despite differences in treatment strategy, TRA was associated with similar long-term clinical outcomes as those of TFA. Therefore, TRA might be the preferred access for bifurcation PCI using second-generation DES. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03068494.

Ultrasound Guidance for Transradial Access in the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although ultrasound (US) guidance for vascular access has been widely adopted, its use for transradial access (TRA) in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory is rare. There is a perception that US guidance does not offer a clinically relevant benefit over traditional palpation-guided TRA, amplified by inconsistent findings of individual studies. METHOD: A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library identified studies comparing US to palpation-guided TRA for cardiac catheterisation. Studies evaluating radial artery (RA) cannulation for any other reason were excluded. Event rates and risk ratios (RRs) were pooled for meta-analysis. Access failure was the primary outcome. A random-effects model was used for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 977 records screened, four studies with a total of 1,718 patients (861 US-guided and 864 palpation-guided procedures) were included in the meta-analysis. Most procedures were elective. The pooled analysis showed US guidance significantly lowered the risk of access failure (RR 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.97; p=0.04). Heterogeneity was moderate (I2=51.2%; p=0.105). There was a strong trend to improved first-pass success with US (RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.00-1.66; p=0.05; I2=83.8%), although no differences were found in rates of difficult access (RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.07-1.18; p=0.09; I2=88.3%). Salvage US guidance was successful in 30/41 (73.2%) patients following failed palpation-guided TRA. No differences were found in already low complication rates including RA spasm (RR 1.18; 95% CI 0.70-1.99; p=0.53; I2=0.0%) and bleeding (RR 1.32; 95% CI 0.46-3.80; p=0.60; I2=0.0%). CONCLUSIONS: US guidance was found to improve TRA success in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether routine, selective, or salvage use of US confers the most RA protection, patient satisfaction, and overall clinical benefit. (PROSPERO registration: CRD42022332238).

A new very-small-bore Simmons guiding sheath for transradial neurointervention: Technical note and initial experience.

Transradial access during neurointerventions has increased in popularity because of reduced complications and patient preference. Nevertheless, transradial cannulation into the left common carotid artery can be difficult technically because of the lack of catheter support in the aortic arch. Furthermore, the use of large sheaths can increase the risk of complications at the access site. Here, we developed a new very-small-bore transradial system using a 3F Simmons guiding sheath, to increase the procedural success rate and minimize access-site complications. This system can represent a valuable treatment option for neurointerventions and has the potential to expand the indications for transradial access.

Comparison Between Radial and Femoral Artery Access for Transarterial Chemoembolisation in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the technical success rate, the selectivity of transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), the complication rate, the radiation dose given to the patients and the hospitalization stay between TACE performed using femoral artery approach (FAA) and TACE performed using radial artery approach (RAA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Between June 2020 and April 2022, 49 patients with HCC who underwent 116 TACEs (75 using FAA and 41 using RAA) were included. Differences in technical success rate, selectivity of micro-catheterization, radiation dose given to the patients, fluoroscopy time, hospitalization stay duration, and complication rate were compared between FAA and RAA using Fisher exact or Student t tests. RESULTS: No differences in technical success rates were found between RAA (93%; 39/41 TACEs) and FAA (100%; 75/75 TACEs) (P = .12). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of selectivity of catheterization, radiation dose, fluoroscopy time and hospitalization stay duration. Five patients had Grade 2 complications (hematoma) after FAA vs. one patient with one Grade 1 complication (radial artery occlusion) after RAA (5/75 [7%] vs. 1/41 [2%], respectively; P = .42). No major arterial access site complications occurred with FAA or RAA. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that RAA is a safe approach that does not compromise the technical efficacy and the selectivity of TACE compared to FAA in patients with HCC.

Experiences of cardiac care nurses related to the management and delayed removal of trans-radial band of patients at a private tertiary care hospital, Islamabad.

Objectives: To explore the experiences of cardiac care nurses in managing transradial band of patients in a tertiary care setting. METHODS: The exploratory, descriptive, qualitative study was conducted at a private-sector tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, from March to September 2021, and comprised registered cardiac care nurses with >6 months of relevant experience. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was analysed qualitatively using the Creswell and Creswell framework. RESULTS: Of the 10 nurses, 5(50%) were males and 5(50%) were females. In terms of age, 5(50%) were aged <25 years. Cardiac specialisation had been done by 2(20%) nurses, and none of the subjects had formal training related to transradial band. The main theme that emerged from the data was nurses' management of patients with transradial band, and the three categories were nurses' knowledge and practices about transradial band, reasons for delayed transradial band removal, and strategies to minimise complications. CONCLUSIONS: To minimise transradial band-related complications, in-service training of nurses and ensuring a safe nursepatient ratio are necessary.

Comparison of Glidesheath Slender and Subcutaneous Nitrate Administration in Terms of Radial Artery Complications: A Retrospective Single-Center Experience.

Objectives: The transradial route is used in most coronary procedures today. Although this method seems to be advantageous in terms of bleeding complications and patient comfort, the small radial artery diameter brings with it complications such as radial artery spasm and occlusion. It has been demonstrated in previous studies that subcutaneous nitrate administration dilates the radial artery. The Glidesheath Slender, which has a thinner outer wall than conventional sheaths, is another method that has been shown to reduce complications by reducing friction on the radial artery wall. Our aim was to compare these two methods in terms of complications. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with complete clinical and radial Doppler ultrasound records who had undergone transradial interventions. We compared procedures using subcutaneous nitrate application plus conventional sheaths with procedures using the Glidesheath Slender sheath in terms of procedural and post-procedural complications. Results: Eighty-seven patients in the subcutaneous nitrate group and 35 patients in the Glidesheath Slender group were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of procedural and postprocedural complications (p = 0.511 and p = 0.333, respectively). Conclusions: In cases where a thin-walled sheath such as a Glidesheath Slender is not available, subcutaneous nitrate administration seems to be similar, especially in terms of preventing radial artery spasm.

The Relationship between Amount of Air Supplied to Radial Artery Compression Device Used after Transradial Procedure and Radial Artery Stenosis.

Background: Transradial access (TRA) is accepted as the safest route for coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention. Radial artery stenosis (RAS) prevents use of the radial artery in various clinical situations, even in cases without hand ischemia. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the amount of air supplied to the radial artery compression device [transradial (TR) band] and RAS. Methods: The population in this single-center retrospective study consisted of patients who underwent CAG via TRA under elective conditions between March 1st, 2020 and May 1st, 2022. Of these patients, 111 who met the study inclusion criteria were included in the study. Results: The rate of RAS was significantly higher among the patients with a TR band inflated with 18 ml of air compared to those with a TR band inflated with 12 ml of air (19.6%-3.6%; p = 0.009). Univariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and amount of air supplied to the TR band were significantly associated with RAS. Further analysis of these variables with multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that both MCV and the amount of air supplied to the TR band were independent predictors of RAS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of the study revealed that the amount of air supplied to the TR band after CAG via TRA was an independent predictor for the development of RAS.

Comparison of radiation exposure associated with transradial and transfemoral access: An updated meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in radiation exposure between transradial access (TRA) and transfemoral access (TFA) for coronary procedures. BACKGROUND: TRA is associated with increased radiation exposure as compared to TFA. We compared radiation exposure between the two access sites. METHODS: Databases were searched from June 2014 to August 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting coprimary outcomes of fluoroscopy time (FT) and/or dose area product (DAP) comparing TRA with TFA. Meta-regression was performed to assess the behavior of weighted mean difference (WMD) in FT from 1995 to 2021. Observational study data was used for corroborative evidence. RESULTS: Data from 8 RCTs (11,611 patients) showed the WMD of FT was 0.62 min (37 s) (95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.08-1.17], p = 0.023) in favor of TFA, WMD in DAP (9169 patients) was 1.94 Gy.cm2 (95% CI: [-2.1 to 5.9], p = 0.35) showing no significant difference. Pooled data from OBS and RCTs (83,990 patients) showed a similar trend. Studies from outside US between 1995 and 2021 showed WMD of FT between TRA and TFA of 0.88 min (52 s) (95% CI: [0.67-1.09], p = 0.005) versus 2.1 min (126 s) (95% CI: [1.38-2.8], p = 0.005) for US in favor of TFA. Meta-regression showed a declining WMD of FT between TRA and TFA from 1.6 min (96 s) in 1996 to 0.5 min (30 s) in 2020 with the lower limit of CI crossing the zero line in 2019. CONCLUSION: Radiation exposure between TRA and TFA continues to decrease overtime and is becoming clinically nonsignificant.

Effect of randomized prophylactic nitroglycerin on radial artery spasm during transradial catheterization: An analysis based on operator experience.

One limitation to transradial access (TRA) is the occurrence of spasms (RAS), for which the use of prophylactic medications is recommended. Improvement in TRA material combined with the increase in operators' expertise, might mitigate this benefit. We assess the effect of preventive nitroglycerin on RAS during TRA, evaluating the role of the operator's experience. Patients received 500 µg nitroglycerin or placebo. The operator's expertise was classified as: inexperienced (I), intermediate (M), and experienced (E). 2040 patients were included. Prophylactic use of nitroglycerin did not reduce RAS (10.8% vs. 13.4% (placebo), p = 0.07). RAS incidence was 14.5% in I, 12.5% in M, and 9.7% in E (p = 0.01). In group I, nitroglycerin reduced RAS (17.4% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.04), which was not observed in other groups. Overall, nitroglycerin does not prevent RAS, which is more common among inexperienced operators. More experienced operators could abolish preventive nitroglycerin use.

Radial and ulnar approach for carotid artery stenting with Roadsaver™ double layer micromesh stent: Early and long-term follow-up.

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of carotid artery stenting (CAS) with a newly designed double-layer micromesh stent using wrist approach in patients with significant carotid disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2021, 105 patients undergoing CAS with Roadsaver™ stent were enrolled in a single center prospective study. Follow-up assessments included neurological exams, duplex ultrasound (DUS), and 12-lead ECG. The primary endpoint was the 30-day composite rate of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction. Secondary endpoints included procedure success, access site complications, device success, target lesion revascularization, and in-stent restenosis evaluated with DUS. Long-term outcomes up to 72 months of follow-up were assessed in all eligible patients. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly male (69.5%) with a median age of 68 ± 8 years. Patients were symptomatic in 80% of the cases, and 35% fulfilled the high-risk criteria for surgical endarterectomy. The right internal carotid artery was the target artery in 56 (53.4%), and the left in 49 (46.6%) of the cases. All procedures were successfully completed from the right wrist, with right radial access in 94 (89.5%) cases and ulnar artery access with previous radial artery occlusion in 11 (10.5%) cases. All patients were treated successfully with the study device. The primary endpoint was met with a 30-day major adverse event rate of 0.9% (1/105). Up to 72 months of follow-up (median 30 ± 20 months) there were no strokes, neurological deaths, or target lesion revascularization of the treated lesion. Doppler ultrasound examination revealed nonsignificant in-stent restenosis in two asymptomatic patients. There was no hand ischemia detected in any patient. CONCLUSION: Results from this study demonstrate the radial and ulnar access for CAS with double layer micromesh Roadsaver™ stent is safe and feasible and associated with favorable early and long-term follow-up.

Comparing the Safety and Feasibility of Endovascular Therapy via Transradial and Transfemoral Approaches in Patients with Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the Nationwide Registry.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of performing endovascular therapy (EVT) for aortoiliac artery disease using transradial approach (TRA) as compared to transfemoral approach (TFA). METHODS: We analyzed 9671 cases with symptomatic lower extremity artery disease due to aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) treated using EVT from a Japanese Nationwide EVT Registry between January and December 2021. We compared the baseline characteristics, procedural information, and 30-day outcomes of patients who received EVT only via TRA (n=863 [16.9%]) and those only via TFA (n=4255 [83.1%]) by using propensity score (PS) matching, after excluding those who required regular dialysis, those who underwent hybrid surgeries, and those who received EVT through 2 or more approach sites. RESULTS: After matching, the final study population consisted of 862 matched patients with similar baseline characteristics in each group. Technical success rate was comparable between the 2 groups (99.3% vs. 99.3%, p>0.99). No significant differences were observed with respect to the composite of all-cause death within 48 hours after EVT and post-procedural complications within 30 days, including severe bleeding that required transfusion, revascularization procedures, urgent surgeries, cerebral infarction, and major limb amputation (0.2% vs. 0.7%, p=0.29). Transradial approach was associated with shorter operation time (85 vs. 90 minutes, p=0.016), but longer fluoroscopy time (26 vs. 20 minutes, p<0.001) and higher contrast agent volume (80 vs. 75 mL, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: After PS matching, TRA showed the comparable rates of successful EVT and 30-day complications in patients with AIOD compared to TFA. Transradial approach was found to be safe and be a viable alternative of TFA for the treatment of AIOD. CLINICAL IMPACT: The efficacy of transradial approach (TRA) is established in percutaneous coronary intervention; however, its safety and feasibility are unclear in endovascular therapy (EVT). We analyzed 9,671 cases with symptomatic aortoiliac occlusive disease treated using EVT from a Nationwide Registry to compare the 30-day outcomes of those who received EVT only via TRA (n = 863 [16.9%]and those only via TFA (n=4,255 [83.1%]) by using propensity score matching. Technical success rate (99.3% vs. 99.3%, p > 0.99) and 30-day complications (0.2% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.29) were comparable between the two groups. EVT via TRA could be performed safely.

Transradial versus transfemoral approach for TACE: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been widely applied in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study aimed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of transradial access as an alternative to transfemoral access for TACE. METHODS: Patients undergoing TACE were divided into the radial artery (RA) route group or the femoral artery (FA) route group according to the operation approach, namely, transradial or transfemoral access. We retrospectively analysed the clinical characteristics, technical outcomes, clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse events to compare the two technologies for intervention for HCC. RESULTS: Transradial access was found to achieve superior technical outcomes and clinical efficacy, as the patients in the RA group had a lower rate of hepatic arterial spasm, a higher partial response rate and a lower progression rate than the patients in the FA group according to the mRECIST evaluations. In contrast, the liver function indices and VAS (visual analogue scale) pain scores were consistent across the two groups. Moreover, patients in the RA group had a shorter length of stay than those in the FA group, despite similar hospitalization expenses. The total adverse events were significantly reduced by transradial access for TACE (72.5% vs. 84.1%, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that transradial access is an effective and feasible alternative to transfemoral access for TACE. Large-scale prospective randomized controlled studies are expected.

Preliminary Study on Retrograde Recanalization of Radial Artery Occlusion Through Distal Radial Artery Access: a Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is an unresolved complication after transradial artery (TRA) puncture. The aim of this observational study was to assess the feasibility and safety of retrograde recanalization of RAO through distal transradial access (dTRA). METHODS: From June 2021 to March 2022, 28 consecutive patients with successful puncture and intubation through the dTRA in the anatomical snuffbox and RAO confirmed by angiography were enrolled. RESULTS: Among the 28 patients, 27 (96.4%) patients with RAO were successfully retrogradely recanalized through the dTRA and successfully underwent coronary angiography or coronary intervention. After the procedure, only 1 (3.7%) patient developed a forearm hematoma, and there were no other bleeding complications or nerve disorders. CONCLUSIONS: DTRA is a safe and feasible approach for retrograded recanalization of RAO, with a high procedure success rate and few complications.