Electrocardiogram-Triggered Angiography Non-Contrast-Enhanced (TRANCE) Imaging to Assess Access Route Before Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography

Abstract

Electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered angiography non-contrast-enhanced (TRANCE) imaging is useful for investigating peripheral vessel diseases; however, its efficacy for access route assessment in cerebral angiography has yet to be reported. Therefore we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TRANCE imaging in the assessment of the access route before diagnostic subtraction angiography for cerebral vascular disorders. TRANCE imaging was performed in all patients undergoing catheter angiography for disease diagnosis at our institute between April 2014 and March 2015. This study included 31 patients (14 men, 17 women) and investigated potential changes in the planned puncture site before and during the procedure (including the reason for the change) as our main outcome. TRANCE was successfully conducted in all of the patients recruited. TRANCE images led to an alteration in the approach vessel for 5 cases. The mean procedure time for angiography was <60 minutes. The median total number of catheters and guidewires used during catheter angiography was 1 (range: 1-3) and 1 (range: 1-2), respectively. There were no catheter angiography-related complications. TRANCE imaging before diagnostic angiography is useful because it allows detailed assessment of the access route. This practice may reduce procedure time, thus resulting in fewer complications.