Radial arterial access is a safe alternative to brachial artery and femoral artery access for endovascular lower extremity peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

Radial artery access is a well-described technique that has proven to be safe and efficacious in percutaneous cardiac intervention. This technique has been used with increased frequency in the treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (LE-PAD); however, the overall safety has not yet been well described in the vascular surgery literature. We sought to evaluate the safety of this technique compared with retrograde femoral artery access and brachial artery access (BA) in the treatment of PAD.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative database was used to identify all patients who underwent single site percutaneous access (retrograde femoral access [FA], BA, radial access [RA]) for treatment of LE-PAD from September 2016 through September 2019. Patients who underwent multiple access sites for intervention were excluded. Primary outcome was significant access site complications (ASCs), defined as those requiring treatment (blood transfusion, interventional treatment, or surgical treatment). Minor ASCs were also reported.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 61,203 patients (270 RA, 1210 BA, and 59,723 FA) with an average age of 68 years and who were 59.6% male. The RA and BA groups had higher rates of prior endarterectomy or bypass compared with the FA group (66.7% RA; 86.0% BA; 50.2% FA; P < .001). RA was more often used for single-segment treatments (82% vs 74% [P < .020] and more aortoiliac arterial segments (59.6% vs 21.0% [P < .001]). ASC occurred in 1329 patients (2.7%), including minor ASC (996 [1.6%]) and significant ASC (333 [0.54%]). Significant ASC were less common after FA and RA compared with BA (RA, 1 [0.37%]; FA, 307 [0.51%]; BA, 25 [2.1%]; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, BA was the strongest predictor of significant ASC (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-4.36; P < .001). Significant ASC was no different after RA compared with FA (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-4.33; P = .616). Other factors independently associated with significant ASC were sex, age, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dialysis, and closure device use.

CONCLUSIONS

RA as the primary access vessel for endovascular treatment of LE-PAD is safe when compared with other traditional access sites. When FA is not possible or desirable, the radial approach may provide suitable access to treatment with a better safety profile than BA.

Feasibility and Safety of Transradial Aneurysm Embolization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Use of the transradial access (TRA) approach for neuroendovascular procedures has been increasing in recent years. Our aim is to assess the feasibility, success rate, and complications associated with TRA for intracranial aneurysm embolization.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were systematically searched for studies using TRA for intracranial aneurysm embolization. Random-effects models were used to obtain pooled rates of procedural success and complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies comprising 1283 (85.9%) TRA and 122 (8.2%) distal TRA aneurysm embolization procedures were included. The pooled success rate of the 18 studies in the meta-analysis was 93.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.1%-95.8%). The pooled thromboembolic complication rate was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.9%), the hemorrhagic complication rate was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.9%), and the access site complication rate was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.3%). One study (4.3%) used exclusively a 7-French guide catheter, and most used a 6-French guide catheter (22 of 23 studies, 95.7%), which was further incorporated as part of a triaxial configuration through a sheathless 8-French system in 4 studies (17.4%), 7-French guide catheter in 2 studies (8.7%), and 8-French sheath in 1 study (4.3%). The embolization techniques used were flow diverter placement in 451 cases (39.1%), coiling in 376 (32.6%), stent-assisted coiling in 127 (11.0%), balloon-assisted coiling in 104 (9.0%), Woven EndoBridge system in 50 (4.3%), and flow diverter placement plus coiling in 42 (3.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Treating intracranial aneurysms using various embolization techniques through TRA is feasible and associated with low access site and intraoperative complications.

Transradial versus Transfemoral Approaches in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Neuroendovascular Interventions: A Meta-Analysis of Current Literature

BACKGROUND

The adoption of the transradial approach (TRA) has been increasing in popularity as a primary method to conduct both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. As this technique gains broader acceptance and use within the neuroendovascular community, comparing its complication profile with a better-established alternative technique, the transfemoral approach (TFA), becomes more important. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of TRA compared with TFA in patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic, and combined neuroendovascular procedures.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A literature search of PubMed and other databases was conducted for studies from all available dates. To compare TRA and TFA, we performed an indirect meta-analysis between studies that mentioned the complications of the procedures.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 532 studies, of which 108 met full inclusion criteria. A total of 54,083 patients (9137 undergoing TRA and 44,946 undergoing TFA) were included. Access site complication rate was lower in TRA (1.62%) compared with TFA (3.31%) (P < 0.01). Neurological complication rate was lower in TRA (1.64%) compared with TFA (3.82%) (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). Vascular spasm rate was higher in TRA (3.65%) compared with TFA (0.88%) (P < 0.01). Wound infection complication rate was higher in TRA (0.32%) compared with TFA (0.2%) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing TFA are significantly more likely to experience access site complications and neurological complications compared with patients undergoing TRA. Patients undergoing TRA are more likely to experience complications such as wound infections and vascular spasm.

All that glitters: case presentation and review of radial access complications in neurointervention

Radial artery access has experienced increasing adoption and rapid expansion of indications for neurointerventional procedures. This access is an attractive neurointervention route to be considered, with many advantages over the traditional femoral access in terms of ease of vasculature navigation and decreased risk of complications such as significant bleeding. Although a promising technique for neurointerventional procedures, there are inherent and unique considerations as well as potential complications involved. The following case report highlights some of these vital concepts associated with radial artery access, including appropriate patient selection as well as assessment of arterial size in the context of neurointerventional techniques. Early identification of complications such as arterial injury and compartment syndrome, with an emphasis on appropriate draping and inter-procedure monitoring, is discussed as well as approaches for subsequent management. Finally, the issue of radiation safety in this emerging technique is considered. These concepts are critical for the successful use and the continued growth of radial artery access for neurointervention procedures.

Ulnar Artery Access: A Nontraditional Access Site for Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography and Neurointervention: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Transfemoral access has long been the main access site for cerebral angiography and neurointerventional procedures. Radial access is accepted as an alternative to the traditional transfemoral approach. Ulnar access may be undertaken if the radial artery is occluded or small caliber, or when radial artery preservation is needed. The safety and feasibility of ulnar access for neuroangiographic procedures has been demonstrated.1-3 In this operative video, we demonstrate ulnar artery access in a patient in whom radial artery preservation was desired. We further elaborate on the technical nuances of this access. This nontraditional access site offers the same advantages as radial access, avoiding the need to switch to femoral artery access. A preoperative Allen's test is not necessary. Ultrasound imaging is used to aid in the identification and successful puncture of the ulnar artery. A medial to lateral approach for ulnar artery puncture is advised to avoid injury to the ulnar nerve. Careful application of wrist closure bands avoids hematoma accumulation.  The patient gave informed consent for the procedure and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary.  Video. © University at Buffalo, May 2021. Used with permission.

Single Arm Access for Combined Transarterial and Transvenous Neurointerventional Procedures

A concurrent arterial and venous access is routinely obtained for diagnosis and treatment of various neurovascular diseases. Traditionally, venous access is obtained by accessing the femoral vein or through direct internal jugular puncture. Although complication rates are low, life-threatening severe complications have been reported. Moreover, venous access can be challenging in large body habitus patients through these traditional routes. There is a growing trend of utilizing radial artery access for neuroendovascular procedures. Nevertheless, the use of upper limb veins in neurointerventional procedures is rare. We present 3 cases of the concurrent arterial and venous approach through the radial artery and cephalic or basilic vein of the forearm for diagnostic cerebral arteriography and venography. Radial access was obtained by using the standard technique, and venous access was obtained by cannulating cephalic or basilic vein using ultrasound guidance, and a 5F or 6F short sheath was placed. Venous angiography and catheterization of right and left internal jugular veins were then performed using a Simmons (SIM) 2 catheter alone or using 6F Envoy guide catheter coaxially over the SIM 2 catheter if an additional support for microcatheter was needed. Procedures were successfully completed with no adverse effects, and patients were discharged home the same day. We also describe the technique for the reformation of the SIM 2 catheter in the venous system for catheterization of right and left internal jugular veins through the arm access.

Nonfemoral Arterial Hemostasis Following Percutaneous Intervention Using a Focused Compression Device

Purpose

Upper extremity and tibiopedal arterial access are increasingly used during endovascular therapies. Balloon compression hemostasis devices in these anatomic locations have been described, but most utilize a compression surface extending well beyond the puncture site. We report single-center experience with an arterial puncture-focused compression device following upper extremity and tibiopedal access.

Patients and Methods

A series of 249 focused compression hemostasis devices (VasoStat, Forge Medical, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA) were used in 209 patients following lower extremity (n = 63) and upper extremity (n = 186; radial: 90%) arterial access procedures using 4–7 French sheaths. Demographic, operative, and follow-up data were collected. Logistic regression was used to evaluate potential association between patient/operative variables and time to hemostasis.

Results

Primary hemostasis was achieved in 97.2% (242/249) following sheath removal; in 7 cases (2.8%) puncture site oozing occurred after initial device removal and required reapplication. Secondary hemostasis was 100% (249/249). Seven complications (2.8%) were recorded: 5 minor hematomas (2%) and 2 transient access artery occlusions (0.8%). Mean time to hemostasis enabling device removal was 55 ± 28 min. Elevated body mass index (BMI) was not associated with increased time to hemostasis (p = 0.31). Accessed artery, sheath size, and heparin dose were also not associated with time to hemostasis (p = 0.64; p = 0.74; p = 0.75, respectively).

Conclusions

The focused compression hemostasis device enabled rapid hemostasis with a low complication rate. Time to hemostasis was independent of BMI, access site, sheath size, or heparin dose.

Radial Arterial Access for Thoracic Intraoperative Spinal Angiography in the Prone Position

BACKGROUND

Verification of complete occlusion or resection of neurovascular lesions is often performed using intraoperative angiography. Surgery for spinal vascular lesions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) is typically performed with the patient in the prone position, making intraoperative angiography difficult. No standardized protocol is available for intraoperative angiography during spinal surgery with the patient in the prone position. We have described our experience using radial artery access for intraoperative angiography in thoracic spinal neurovascular procedures performed with the patient in the prone position.

METHODS

We reviewed the data from all patients who had undergone surgical resection of spinal vascular lesions in the prone position with radial artery vascular access for intraoperative angiography. The patients were treated in a hybrid endovascular operating room.

RESULTS

A total of 4 patients were treated in the prone position using transradial artery access intraoperative angiography for confirmation of complete resection of the vascular lesions. Of the 4 patients, 2 had undergone surgery for a dural AVF, 1 for a pial AVF, and 1 for an AVM of the filum terminale. None of the patients had experienced any procedural complications.

CONCLUSION

Radial artery access for intraoperative angiography during spinal neurovascular procedures in which selective catheterization of a thoracic branch is necessary is feasible, safe, and practical.

Transradial Angiography and Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Considerable evidence supports transradial angiography and intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome, with an emphasis on decreasing major bleeding and access site vascular complications. Patients undergoing invasive treatment are at greatest risk of bleeding and have the most to gain. The radial advantage has consistently been shown to translate into reduced mortality in pooled data analyses. The benefits of transradial access have been demonstrated across the acute coronary syndrome spectrum and in both sexes. A radial-first strategy should be the default approach and continuous efforts should be made to increase operator expertise of transradial access in these patients.

Transradial access versus transfemoral access: a comparison of outcomes and efficacy in reducing hemorrhagic events

Introduction: The radial artery is currently the most widely used access site for PCI procedures both acute and stable patient settings. Thanks to advantages in pharmacological therapy as well as in interventional devices, the rate of ischemic complications following PCI has significantly decreased. Nevertheless, this has been counterbalanced by an increased risk of periprocedural and late bleeding event, that can occur both at access and non-access sites. Choice of access site for PCI is of paramount importance to reduce the risk of access-related bleeding events. Areas covered: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the actual available evidence comparing the transradial versus transfemoral approach to reduce hemorrhagic events. The most robust evidence comes from large randomized trials, partly also from observational registries, which compared the transradial and transfemoral approach. Expert opinion: Results show that radial access has proved to be decisive in reducing the incidence of hemorrhagic events. Furthermore, it showed a significant reduction in mortality and AKI compared to transfemoral access. However, increased experience in the use of the radial approach has led to less practice in the use of the femoral approach, which may be useful in cases of emergency, complications or inability to use the radial artery.

The Left Distal Transradial Artery Access for Coronary Angiography and Intervention: A US Experience

BACKGROUND

The radial artery is the access of choice in many catheterization labs around the world due to its proven benefits over the femoral artery access. There has been growing interest in the left radial artery. We sought to evaluate the feasibility, safety and complication rates of the left distal radial artery (ldTRA) access for cardiac catheterization.

METHODS

This is a single arm retrospective study evaluating the feasibility and safety of performing cardiac catheterization through ldTRA. The procedure was completed using standard diagnostic and guiding catheters. Hemostasis was achieved with a radial band. Feasibility was the ability to cannulate the distal left radial artery as well as completing the procedure without requiring an additional arterial access. The safety point included hematoma, bleeding or neuropathy.

RESULTS

ldTRA was attempted in 61 patients. 59 patients had successful completion of the procedure through ldTRA. Conversion occurred in 1 patient (1.7%), requiring an additional arterial access to complete the procedure. 34 patients (55.7%) required percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There was no access site bleeds post procedure, no hematomas, with 100% successful hemostasis with a radial hemostatic band. There were 2 cases requiring reaccess of the distal left radial artery access for repeat revascularization, with procedure success and good left radial artery patency.

CONCLUSION

ldTRA is a safe and feasible arterial access in a radial experienced catheterization lab. ldTRA provides improved operator ergonomics and patient's comfort, in addition to the advantage of being able to cannulate the bypass grafts and with a very low risk of vascular complications.

Impact of anticoagulation and vasoactive medication on regained radial artery patency after catheterization: a case-control study

Background

Radial artery access is the primary approach for coronary interventions due to higher safety profile in comparison to femoral access. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the main complication of transradial catheterization that can lead to severe symptoms and a permanent artery occlusion. The incidence of RAO after transradial access ranges from 5 to 38% and data regarding treatment is scarce. Whether anticoagulation and vasoactive medication provides an additional benefit in recovery of radial artery patency (RAP) after catheterization has not been investigated in detail.

Aim

The objective was to investigate the impact of anticoagulation and vasoactive medication on regained patency after documented RAO following transradial catheterization.

Patients and methods

Overall 2635 patients were screened. 2215 (84%) catheterizations were performed by femoral and 420 (16%) by radial access. In 30 patients RAO was observed. In case of RAO patients were classified in three groups: Anticoagulation, anticoagulation added with alprostadil and controls. Follow-up was conducted after 3 months with ultrasound and clinical examination.

Results

Eight patients received anticoagulation and 11 patients anticoagulation together with alprostadil. Eleven patients served as controls. Recovery of RAP after catheterization was higher following either treatment (79.5%) compared to controls (0%, p = 0.006). Subgroup analysis yielded a higher RAP recovery in patients treated with anticoagulation (62.5%) as compared to controls (0%, p = 0.002). No effect on regained RAP was found with additional alprostadil therapy (33.3%) compared to anticoagulation therapy (62.5%, p = 0.229).

Conclusion

RAO should be treated with anticoagulation to regain patency. Addition of vasoactive medication does not lead to further beneficial effects. Further research is needed regarding preventive and therapeutic strategies following RAO.

Effects of radial versus femoral artery access in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A large centre prospective registry

Aim

This study sought to assess whether radial artery access improves clinical outcomes in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction compared with femoral artery access.

Methods

This is a single-centre, prospective observational registry of all STEMI and NSTEMI patients who underwent coronary angiography and/or primary PCI in the period January 2010 to December 2013. Primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. Choice of access was left to the discretion of the cardiologist. Differences in the risk of death at 30 days between patients undergoing transradial intervention versus transfemoral intervention was assessed on an intention-to-treat comparison.

Results

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed in 3580 patients with an acute coronary syndrome who underwent coronary angiography, of which 1310 had radial artery access. PCI was performed in 77 % of the patients. Before propensity score matching, patients who underwent transradial intervention and those intended to undergo transfemoral approach differed significantly in intra-aortic balloon pump use (1.7 % vs. 6.7 %, p < 0.001), and Killip class (Killip 1: 10.8 % vs. 17.3 %, p < 0.001). 30-day mortality rates were 1.7 % in the transradial group and 4.6 % in the transfemoral group (p < 0.001). After matching on the propensity score, the hazard ratio for 30-day mortality in the transradial group was 0.56 (95 % CI: 0.29–1.07, p = 0.08).

Conclusion

This registry-based study showed that radial access is associated with improved outcome in patients with an acute coronary syndrome. However, this difference was no longer significant after multivariate and propensity score adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics.

Effects of subcutaneously infiltrated nitroglycerin on diameter, palpability, ease-of-puncture and pre-cannulation spasm of radial artery during transradial coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

The success of transradial catheterization depends on meticulous access of radial artery which in turn depends on palpating a good radial pulse.

OBJECTIVES

Our objectives were to analyze the effects of subcutaneously infiltrated nitroglycerin on diameter of radial artery, palpability of radial pulse, ease-of-puncture and pre-cannulation spasm of radial artery during transradial coronary angiography.

METHODS

Patients undergoing transradial coronary angiography were randomized to Group NL or Group SL. In Group NL, 3 ml of solution containing nitroglycerin and lignocaine was infiltrated subcutaneously at the site intended for puncture of radial artery. Similarly, saline and lignocaine were infiltrated in Group SL. Diameter of radial artery was objectively assessed by ultrasonography. Measurements were performed at baseline and repeated at 1 min after injecting the solutions. The ease-of-puncture was evaluated by the number of punctures and the time needed for successful access of radial artery.

RESULTS

Both groups had 100 patients each. Baseline diameter of radial artery was similar between two groups. The post-injection diameter of radial artery increased by 26.3% in Group NL and 11.4% in Group SL. Nitroglycerin significantly improved the palpability of radial pulse, reduced the number of punctures and shortened the time needed for successful access of radial artery. Pre-cannulation spasm of radial artery occurred in 1% of Group NL and 8% of Group SL.

CONCLUSIONS

Subcutaneously infiltrated nitroglycerin leads to significant vasodilation of radial artery. This avoids pre-cannulation spasm of radial artery, enhances palpability of the radial pulse and thus makes the puncture of radial artery easier.

A single center multioperator initial experience of 4,195 patients at a primary radial intervention program in a tertiary level center

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase the acceptability and the number of the procedures via the radial approach. We present our experience pertaining to the clinical characteristics, procedural details and post procedural outcome of patients undergoing radial artery access, coronary angiographies over a period of 4 years at a primary care tertiary level center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all the coronary artery procedures during the last 4 years was done and the various parameters related to these procedures noted.

RESULTS

In 4195 procedures performed, success in radial artery procedures was achieved in 3975 (94.8%) procedures. The average puncture time and total procedure time was 9.5 + 3 min (min) and 15 + 2.5 min in the initial 500 patients, whereas the times taken in the final 695 patients were just 1.5 + 0.5 min and 3.0 + 1.5 min respectively. The total fluoroscopy time was not significantly different among the groups, when performed by an operator with training in the femoral route for angiography. Cardiology fellows needed more fluoroscopy time when mastering the radial route. Crossover of access sites was seen in 220 patients (5.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

After 100 procedures, radial access coronary angiographies take less than 4.5 min, with first attempt radial artery access and negligible complication rates. Prior experience of coronary angiography helps in the reduction of fluoroscopy time during the learning curve.