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.

Sex differences in transradial access failure in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Transradial access (TRA) is now the default access site for PPCI, but technically is a more challenging approach mostly due to anatomic challenges connected to the RA. AIMS: To assess the differences according to sex in radial artery (RA) access site characteristics during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All 5092 consecutive STEMI patients from our center in the period from March 2011 until December 2017 were examined. The right proximal radial was the "intention-to-treat" access in all patients. Preprocedural RA angiography was performed in all patients. Clinical and procedure characteristics, type of radial anatomy variants, need to use another arterial access sites (the primary endpoint for this study), and procedure time were analyzed by sex. Using logistic regression, we selected predictors of radial crossover. Access site bleeding complications and vascular complications were also recorded. RESULTS: The STEMI population in this period included 1326 females and 3766 male patients. Females were older (65 ± 11 years) than males (59 ± 11 years, p < 0.0001). Among standard risk factors, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were more common in women and smoking less common. RA anomalies were more frequent in the females (8.8% vs. 6.5%, p < 0.0001), with complex RA loop and tortuous RA twice as frequent in women. Failure of TRA access as the initially chosen site occurred in 4.6% (61) of females versus 2.5% (97) of male STEMI patients (p = 0.0003). The most common subsequent access site was right ulnar access in both groups (57 and 61% respectively). Access site bleeding complications were more common in women 4.4% versus 3.2%, mirrored in hematomas with EASY score III to V. Clinical RA spasm (RAS) was significantly more frequent in females (5.7% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis identified 5 independent predictors for TRA access crossover: previous TRA, anomalous RA, RAS, along with female sex and diabetes. CONCLUSION: Female sex is a significant predictor of more complex TRA in STEMI. Understanding sex differences and predictors for TRA crossover will strengthen the use of different procedural modalities that can help in preserving a successful wrist access in female STEMI patients.

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.

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.

Assessment of acute radial artery injury after distal transradial access for coronary intervention: an optical coherence tomography study.

There is a paucity of data on acute radial artery (RA) injuries using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients undergoing coronary intervention via distal transradial coronary access (dTRA). To evaluate the incidence of acute RA injury following dTRA for coronary intervention using OCT. We retrospectively analyzed 200 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent coronary intervention guided by OCT and RA-OCT after dTRA at our center between June 2021 and November 2022. Total length of RA was divided into three segments based on the sheath location during dTRA: no sheath protection portion (proximal RA segment) and sheath protection portion (divided into mid- and distal segments). Acute RA injuries, including tears, dissections, perforations, thrombi, and spasms, were analyzed. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) was assessed using ultrasonography 24 h after dTRA. Acute RA injury was observed in 45.5% of patients after dTRA. The incidence of tear, dissection, perforation, thrombi, and spasm in all the patients was 11.5%, 16.5%, 1.5%, 17.5%, and 17.5%, respectively. In segment-level analysis, dissection and spasm were significantly more frequent in the proximal segment, followed by the mid and distal segments (11.0% vs. 5.5% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.015; 13.0% vs. 4.0% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.002). The rate of RAO at 24-h follow-up was 3.0%. Acute RA injuries were observed in nearly half of the patients using OCT via dTRA; dissection and spasm occurred more frequently in the proximal segment. Hydrophilic-coated sheaths have the potential advantage of preventing radial artery spasm and dissection.

Feasibility and radial artery occlusion rate of sheathless distal transradial access using balloon guide catheters.

Distal transradial access (dTRA), performed through an anatomical snuffbox, minimizes post-procedural burdens of endovascular treatments. However, despite the benefits of balloon-guide catheters (BGCs), their use in dTRA is limited by their small radial artery diameter. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility and radial artery occlusion (RAO) rate of 8Fr BGCs used in sheathless dTRA. This retrospective study reviewed patients treated with sheathless dTRA using an 8Fr Optimo at a single center between July 2023 and May 2024. dTRA procedures were performed under general anesthesia in patients not requiring urgent treatment. The RAO was assessed using ultrasonography 24 h after the procedure. The demographic and procedural characteristics were compared between the radial artery patency and occlusion groups. Of 170 patients, 50 underwent dTRA, and 43 (86%) completed the procedure. RAO occurred in 12/43 (28%) patients with dTRA. Univariate and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that the median radial artery diameter was significantly smaller in the RAO group (P < 0.001), with an optimal cut-off value of 2.4 mm to predict RAO. Complications included minor cerebral ischemia in two patients, but no severe ischemia was observed. Sheathless dTRA using an 8Fr Optimo BGC is feasible, but the risk of RAO should be noted, particularly in patients with small radial artery diameters. This study suggests a radial artery diameter cutoff value of 2.4 mm to predict RAO, aiding access decisions for large-bore BGC. Further multicenter prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Comparison of the feasibility and safety between distal transradial access and conventional transradial access in patients with acute chest pain: a single-center cohort study using propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Distal transradial access (dTRA) has been suggested to have great advantages over cTRA. However, there is a lack of preliminary data on dTRA in patients undergoing emergency coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). To explore the feasibility and safety of distal transradial access in patients with acute chest pain. METHODS: A total of 1269 patients complaining of acute chest pain in our emergency department from January 2020 to February 2022 were retrospectively included. The patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into the conventional transradial access (cTRA) group (n = 238) and the dTRA group (n = 158). Propensity score matching was used to minimize the baseline differences. RESULTS: The cannulation success rate in the dTRA group was significantly lower than that in the cTRA group (87.41% vs. 94.81%, p < 0.05). No significant differences in the puncture time and total procedure time were noted between the two groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the cTRA group, the hemostasis duration was significantly shorter [4(4, 4) h vs. 10(8, 10) h, p < 0.001) and the incidence of minor bleeding (BARC Type I and II) was significantly lower in the dTRA group than that in the cTRA group (0.85% vs. 5.48%, p = 0.045). Asymptomatic radial artery occlusion was observed in six patients (5.83%) in the cTRA group and one patient (1.14%) in the dTRA group (p = 0.126). The subgroup analysis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) showed no significant differences in the puncture time, D-to-B time or total procedure time between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The dTRA for emergency CAG or PCI has an acceptable success rate and puncture time, a shorter hemostasis time, and a downward trend in RAO rate compared to the cTRA. The dTRA did not increase the D-to-B time in emergency coronary interventions in STEMI patients. On the contrary, a low incidence of RAO by the dTRA created an opportunity for future coronary interventions in non-culprit vessels in the same access. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registry number: ChiCTR2200061104, date of registration: June 15, 2022).

Complications and related risk factors of transradial access cannulation for hemodynamic monitoring in general surgery: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: To examine the short-term complications of arterial cannulation for intraoperative monitoring and their related risk factors. METHODS: We included adult inpatients (≥ 18 years old) who underwent an initial transradial access (TRA) cannulation and were scheduled for general surgery between April 8 and November 30, 2020. We used 20G arterial puncture needles for puncturing and manual compression for hemostasis. Demographic, clinical, surgical, anesthetic, and laboratory data were extracted from electronic medical records. Vascular, neurologic, and infectious complications of TRA cannulation were recorded and analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors related to TRA cannulation for intraoperative monitoring. RESULTS: Among 509 included patients, 174 developed TRA cannulation-related complications. Puncture site bleeding/hematoma and median nerve injury were observed in 158 (31.0%) and 16 (3.1%) patients, respectively. No patient developed cannula-related infections. Logistic regression analysis revealed increased odds of puncture site bleeding/hematoma in women (odds ratio 4.49, 95% CI 2.73-7.36; P < 0.001) and patients who received intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) suspension transfusion ≥ 4U (odds ratio 5.26, 95% CI 1.41-19.57; P = 0.01). No risk factors for nerve injury were identified. CONCLUSION: Bleeding/hematoma were a common complication of TRA cannulation for intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring during general surgery. Median nerve injury may be an under recognized complication. Female sex and extensive intraoperative RBC transfusion are associated with an increased risk of bleeding/hematoma; however, the risk factors for nerve injury remain unclear. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered at https://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900025140).

Transradial versus transfemoral access for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare procedural and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated via transradial access (TRA) mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus conventional transfemoral access (TFA). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with AIS treated with TRA versus TFA MT at our tertiary comprehensive stroke center. Access choice was individualized based on occlusion site, aortic and arch anatomy. Outcomes were extracted from our institutional stroke registry and included procedural time, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) reperfusion score, NIHSS, 90-day mRS and 90-day mortality. Comparisons were performed using Student t-Test and Fischer's exact test as appropriate. RESULTS: 175 mechanical thrombectomies were performed during the study interval; 39 (22%) were performed via TRA and 136 (79%) TFA. Access to reperfusion time was 36.3 ± 24.5 minutes in the TRA group and 21.9 ± 17.6 in the TFA group (p<0.001). The proportion of patients with a TICI reperfusion score of 2b or 3 was similar in both groups (TRA: 34 (87%) vs. TFA: 121 (89%) p=0.559. The median 90-day mRS was similar between both groups (p=0.170), as was the 90-day mortality (p = 0.509). CONCLUSIONS: While TFA is faster in our cohort, TFA and TRA are both safe and effective for MT in acute ischemic stroke. While TFA remains mainstay, TRA can be valuable in variant anatomy despite its technical limitations. Individualizing access based on advanced imaging and patient factors may improve practice; however, updates in catheter and access technology are necessary to optimize outcomes with TRA.

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.

Topical Lidocaine And Or/ Intravenous Midazolam Before Radial Coronary Angiography To Prevent Radial Artery Spasm.

Objectives: To investigate the possible advantage of topical lidocaine and intravenous midazolam in preventing spasm and pain related to the radial artery. Method: The prospective, comparative study was conducted at the catheterization laboratory of the cardiology department Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Egypt, from January 2021 to January 2022, and comprised adult patients of either gender who were due to undergo coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention for different indications. The patients were randomised control group I which was administered a cocktail of nitroglycerine, verapamil and heparin, intervention group II which was administered the control cocktail plustopical lidocaine, group III which was administered the control cocktail plus midazolam intravenously, and group IV which was administered the control cocktail plus topical lidocaine and intravenous midazolam. The groups were compared for frequency of radial artery spasm, accesssite cross-over and the difference in occurrence as well as procedure events, including the puncture number, time and complications. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 120 patients, there were 30(25%) in each of the 4 groups. Overall, there were 72(60%) males and 48(40%) females. Gender and mean age were not significantly different among the groups (p>0.05). Spasm of the radial artery occurred in 22(18.3%) patients, with higher incidence in the group I 12(40%). The median visual analogue scale score was higher in patients with radial artery spasm patients (p<0.001). The groups showed no significant differences in terms of frequency related to ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention, contrast volume and fluoroscopy time (p>0.05), while they showed a significant difference in puncture time (p<0.05). Significant differences were noted among the groups in the incidence of radial artery spasm, visual analogue scale scores, requirement of multiple punctures, and the number of indicated punctures (p<0.05). Access site cross-over was more in the group I, while age, complication rates, visual analogue scale score, incidence of multiple punctures, and puncture time were significantly higher in patients with radial artery spasm (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous analgesia and procedural sedation before transradial access for coronary interventions were found to be associated with a substantial reduction in radial artery spasm and procedure-related discomfort.

Prolonged Doppler US-guided pneumatic compression of a radial artery pseudoaneurysm after percutaneous coronary intervention: a simple and effective solution for a rare and challenging problem.

Transradial access is associated with fewer access site-related complications, earlier patient mobilization, and greater postprocedural comfort. Pseudoaneurysms are an extremely rare complication after transradial procedures and the radial artery itself is the most atypical arterial site of occurrence. We report a case in which a non-surgical, non-invasive, simple, and effective solution (prolonged pneumatic compression) was used to manage a radial artery pseudoaneurysm, a very rare and challenging complication of transradial procedures.

O acesso arterial transradial está associado a menos complicações relacionadas ao sítio de punção, com deambulação precoce do paciente e maior conforto pós-procedimento. O pseudoaneurisma é uma complicação extremamente rara após procedimentos transradiais, sendo a artéria radial, por si só, o sítio mais incomum para tal ocorrência. Relata-se um caso de um pseudoaneurisma de artéria radial, uma complicação rara e desafiadora, resolvido com êxito e de maneira simples, não invasiva e não cirúrgica (compressão pneumática prolongada).