Abstract 1122‐000081: Initial Experience Implementing the Transradial Approach for Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography

Abstract

Introduction : The transradial approach (TRA) has gained acceptance among interventionists due to the lower operative complication rates, less operative time and better patient comfort. Our study aimed to analyze our experience in the implementation of the TRA for diagnostic cerebral angiographies. Methods : Between March 2020 and July 2021, consecutive patients who underwent TRA in two institutions were selected and data was retrospectively collected. Demographics, technical details of the procedure, duration of the procedure, fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure were analyzed. Results : A total of 76 angiographies using the TRA were done. The mean age was 47.5 ± 16.8 years (8 – 82 years). Women represented 57% of cases. Successful radial artery (RA) catheterization was done in 94% (85 patients/80 successful). A preoperative cocktail was used in all the cases. Subcutaneous lidocaine and a 5F sheath were used in 46% and 57% of cases, respectively. The Simmons 2 catheter was used in all the cases. Glidecath, followed by Merit were used in 40% and 32% of the cases, respectively. Right internal carotid artery (ICA), left ICA, right vertebral artery (VA), left VA, right external carotid artery (ECA) and left ECA were studied in 95%, 91%, 76%, 20%, 20% and 15% of the cases, respectively. Post‐operative vasospasm occurred in 29% of the cases, which resolved with intra‐arterial verapamil. Vasospasm was not associated with sheath diameter (p = 0.129) or local anesthesia (p = 0.065). The mean fluoroscopy time was 16 minutes. Conversion to TFA was done in 9 patients (10.6%), of which the RA was successfully catheterized in 4 patients: 1 patient had an atheroma in the brachial artery, 1 patient had a thrombus in the subclavian artery and 2 patients presented severe pain in the forearm. In the remaining 5 patients, there were 2 radial dissections and in 3 the RA could not be approached. Conclusions : The TRA is a safe and effective alternative to perform diagnostic cerebral angiographies with conversion rates according to the literature. The use of appropriate catheters is necessary in order to lower fluoroscopy times when this technique is chosen.