Arterial Access Research Articles

Left radial vs right femoral: comparison between arterial accesses in c-TACE procedures in terms of operator radiations exposure and patient comfort.

This multicenter prospective study aims to compare transradial access versus transfemoral access in conventional transarterial chemoembolization (c-TACE) procedures, focusing on operators radiations exposure, patients comfort, technical success and vascular access complications. Patients were affected by hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC) in intermediate stage or previous stages unfit for ablation and/or surgery; they were randomized into two groups according to arterial access site (Group F: right femoral access in standard position; Group R: radial access with left arm abduced 90°). Overall fluoroscopy time was recorded. Eight thermoluminescence dosimeters were positioned immediately before each procedure to monitor radiation doses. Technical success was intended as complete HCC nodules lipiodolization at final plain cone-beam CT. Group F included 23 patients, while group R 19. Mean fluoroscopy time was lower in group F but difference was not statistically significant (p-value > 0.05). In terms of operators radiations exposure, no significant differences were found (p-value > 0.05). Technical success was obtained in 81.5% in group F and 84.8% in group R, without significant differences (p-value > 0.05). Patients discomfort was significantly (p-value < 0.05) higher in group F. Concerning minor complications, no statistical differences were appreciated (p-value > 0.05); no major complications occurred. In this study, no statistical differences were observed in terms of operators radiations exposure, fluoroscopy time and technical success during c-TACE performed with left radial access compared to right femoral access; patients comfort was significantly better with radial access. These data should lead interventional radiologists to favor radial access in c-TACE interventions.

Safety and efficacy of brachial approach for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background There are many feasible ways to reach the coronary arteries through a percutaneous technique. Till now, the most commonly used approach is the radial artery approach because it has the lowest risk of known vascular adverse events. However, it could not be an option in some situations as congenital radial artery hypoplasia and radial artery spasm. In these cases, the second most common access is the femoral artery access. The current literature over the brachial artery access is controversial. Our study's objective is to verify the brachial artery approach's effectiveness and safety. Methods We studied 300 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography and percutaneous angioplasty in our institution with failed radial access between August 2022 and February 2023. They were classified into two groups; 150 patients in a group with brachial access and 150 in a group with femoral access. Baseline clinical and demographic traits of all enrolled patients were obtained from hospital records and the cardiovascular risk factors were identified. Venous blood samples, resting 12-lead electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography were done before the coronary angiography. Access, procedural and fluoroscopy times were recorded. Doppler evaluations of both brachial and femoral arteries were done the day after the procedure. All patients were examined carefully immediately after the procedure and before discharge to assess any complications. Results Our data showed that no statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding the cardiovascular risk factors, demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics. Left brachial access was used more frequently than left femoral access (32.7% vs. 22.7%, p= 0.05), but no significant difference regarding right sided or bilateral access. Procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and contrast volume did not differ significantly (p=0.19, 0.06 and 0.1 respectively). However, brachial group had shorter access time (2.6 ±1.1 vs. 3.4 ± 0.7 minutes, p=0.05) and shorter hospital stay (3.5 ± 1.1 vs. 5.9 ± 1.3 days, p&amp;lt;0.001). Regarding complications, both major and minor complications were significantly lower in the brachial arm (p=0.04 and 0.05, respectively). Conclusion Brachial artery access is a safe, efficient alternative and non-inferior to the femoral route for coronary intervention whenever radial access is not an option.

Single arterial access versus standard access in TAVI: results from a large multicenter registry

Abstract Background The transfemoral approach has become the gold standard primary access for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) due to low complication rates. An additional secondary access (ScA) is used for angiographic guidance of the procedure. Recently, small, single-center studies demonstrated feasibility of single-access for transfemoral TAVI without a secondary access. However, comparative and large-scale data are missing. Purpose We assessed vascular and bleeding complications of ScA and Single access (SA) approaches in a large multicenter registry to evaluate both strategies. Methods The PULSE registry (Plug or sUture based vascuLar cloSurE after TAVI) retrospectively evaluated data of 10,120 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI at 10 high-volume German heart centers from 2016 to 2021. In 9,457 patients who qualified for analysis ScA (80.7% femoral, 19.3% radial) were performed in 8709 (92%) and SA in 748 (8%). Outcomes were evaluated in accordance with the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-3) definitions. Results Median age was 81.9[IQR 78.2, 85.1] years and 48.9% of patients were female (median logistic EuroSCORE II: 3.3% [IQR 2.1, 5.6]). Peripheral artery disease was comparable between groups (13.5 vs. 14.0%, p=0.73). While overall major access-related vascular complications did not differ significantly (6.1% vs. 4.8%, p=0.20), there was a higher incidence of minor complications for ScA compared to SA (9.0% vs. 2.8%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Secondary access complications amounted to 2.7% in the ScA group and were mainly characterized as bleeding (1.2%) and pseudoaneurysms (1.2%) mostly treated conservatively (1.2%), yet in some cases surgical repair was needed (0.8%). No significant difference was observed regarding type III/IV bleeding (4.1% vs. 4.3%, p=0.91), stroke rate (2.4% vs. 3.6%, p=0.05), stage III/IV acute kidney injury (2.4% vs. 2.4%, p=1.00) or all-cause 30-day mortality (5.8% and 5.7%, p=0.99) for ScA compared to SA groups. Conclusion In patients treated with transfemoral TAVI, a single access approach was associated with lower rates of minor access-related vascular complications without compromising overall outcomes, suggesting potential benefits of a minimally-invasive TAVI approach with the omission of additional vascular access.

Procedural and clinical outcomes according to ultrasound-guided access in TAVI: a propensity-matched comparative sub-analysis from the PULSE registry

Abstract Background Access-related vascular and bleeding complications during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound-guided (USG) puncture may reduce the incidence of these events, particularly in large-bore arterial access. However, large-scale data on this approach are limited and it has not yet fully been implemented into standard clinical practice during TAVI. Purpose We compared access-related vascular and bleeding complications in USG versus fluoroscopy-guided (FG) access from a large multicenter TAVI registry. Methods The PULSE registry (Plug or sUture based vascuLar cloSurE after TAVI) retrospectively evaluated data of 9,295 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI at 10 high-volume German heart centers from 2016 to 2021. USG and FG access were performed in 1,992 (21.4%) and 7,303 (78.6%) patients, respectively. A propensity score was used to match 1,023 FG with 1,023 USG access patients in a 1:1 fashion. The primary endpoint was a composite of minor and major vascular complications at the TAVI-access site or bleeding type II-IV. Outcomes were evaluated in accordance with the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-3) definitions. Results Mean age was 81.9±6.25 years and 48.0% of patients were female. Comorbidities and clinical variables were well-balanced in matched groups. The overall risk profile was comparable in USG vs. FG (mean EuroSCORE II: 3.4 [2.1, 6.4] vs. 3.6 [2.2, 5.7], p=0.54). The primary end point occurred in 12.0% in the USG and 17.7% in the FG group, p&amp;lt;0.001. While major large bore access-related vascular complications did not differ significantly (3.5% vs. 4.2%, p=0.49), there was a trend towards lower minor complications for USG compared to FG (5.9% vs. 7.8%, p=0.096). Large bore access-related bleeding occurred in 5.5% versus 7.8% (p=0.04) of patients. Endovascular balloon inflation was required in 0.6% and 3.3% (p&amp;lt;0.001) of all large-bore access vascular complications. Stroke (1.7% vs. 1.5%, p=0.86) and stage III/IV acute kidney injury (3.0% vs. 2.2%, p=0.42) were similar in both groups. Conclusion In patients treated with transfemoral TAVI, ultrasound-guidance for gaining access was associated with lower rates of access-related vascular complications or type II-IV bleeding. Endovascular treatment was required more frequently in case of a fluoroscopy-guided approach. These findings challenge the fact that most TAVI procedures were performed with fluoroscopy-guidance.

Temporal trends in major bleeding after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction from 2003 to 2017: the Western Denmark Heart Registry

Abstract Background Management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has changed during the last two decades. Introduction of more potent platelet inhibitors may carry an increased risk of bleeding complications, while other therapeutic options, such as use of radial artery access and proton pump inhibitors may reduce bleeding risk. The combined impact of these treatment changes on bleeding risk in patients with STEMI remains unknown. Purpose To examine temporal trends in 1-year risk of major bleeding after STEMI treated with primary PCI from 2003 to 2017. Methods We used the Western Denmark Heart Registry to identify first-time PCI-treated patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI from 2003 to 2017. Patients were divided into 4 calendar periods based on the time of STEMI. The main outcome was 1-year risk of major bleeding defined as a hospital admission for bleeding using a validated definition with high accuracy. Additionally, the 1-year risk of major bleeding in STEMI patients was compared with the risk in an age- and sex-matched general population cohort without prior coronary artery disease. Results From 2003 to 2017, we identified 18,540 patients treated with primary PCI for STEMI (median age 64 years, 75% men)and 92,700 age- and sex-matched individuals. The 1-year risk of major bleeding after STEMI was similar across the different time periods; 4.1% in 2003-2006, 3.8% in 2007-2010, 3.8% in 2011-2014, and 4.5% in 2015-2017. The adjusted HR for bleeding in STEMI patients was 1.03 (95% CI 0.83-1.26) when comparing the latest period with the earliest period. The age- and sex-matched general population exhibited a 1-year risk of major bleeding of around 1% in all time periods (Figure 1). Conclusions Despite changes in management, the 1-year risk of major bleeding remained stable around 4% after primary PCI-treated STEMI from 2003 to 2017. This risk was approximately 4 times higher than the bleeding risk observed in an age- and sex-matched general population.

HV interval measure immediately before TAVI with SEV for predicting pacemaker implantation

Abstract Introduction Although improvements, new onset persistent disturbances in electrocardiogram (ECG) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains up to 34% at hospital discharge (1), needing permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) in self-expanding valves (SEV) as high as 15-27% (2,3). In post TAVI scenario, European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend an electrophyisiologic study centered in His-ventricular electrogram (HV) interval measure for assessing risk of progression to high auriculoventricular block (AVB), if abnormal a PPM is indicated (4,5). We aim to predict PPM through basal HV interval measurement prior TAVI with SEV. Furthermore, we aim to compare different current SEV with basal HV interval and the distinct rate of PPM before discharge. Methods and Results Single-center prospective cohort study, patients with severe aortic stenosis scheduled for TAVI, sinus rhythm at intervention day, without PPM or history of PPM indication were included. At time of TAVI, contralateral venous puncture to femoral arterial access was made, a tetrapolar catheter was advanced and placed at the septal aspect of tricuspid valve searching for His electrogram. A mobile polygraph was used to measure ECG parameters and HV interval before TAVI. Then, a tetrapolar catheter was advanced to ventricle to perform rapid stimulation as part of habitual valve implantation protocol. After procedure, we performed rhythm surveillance for at least &amp;gt;48-72 hours and based in electrical evolution one of three decisions was made: 1)PPM implant, 2)late post TAVI HV interval re-measure or 3)clinical daily ECG vigilance, if this last was normal, unchanged from basal or with new but stable conduction disturbances, discharge were indicated following ESC guidelines. A total of 41 patients were enrolled, median age 84±4 years, 24 females (54.5%), PR mean 198±42ms, QRS mean 112±30ms. 18 had a 1st degree AVB (40.9%) of whom 13 (72.5%) had a PR ˂240ms. EPS data showed prior HV interval mean of 55±9ms. A Mild abnormal HV interval (56-69ms) were seen in 21 patients (51.2%), of whom 12 had a narrow QRS. SEV implanted were 11 (25%) Medtronic CoreValve Evolut+, 5 (11.4%) Biosensors Allegra, 25 (56.8%) Abbott Navitor. Post TAVI procedure, 5 (12.2%) women and 8 (19.5%) men met criteria for PPM implantation before discharge. One woman was implanted 6 days after discharge due to high AVB (66ms HV interval prior TAVR). In a multivariate analysis including sex, age, PR, QRS and HV interval &amp;gt;55ms, valve type the RR (IC 95% 1.37-30.99) risk of PPM was 6.52 folds higher (p=0.019). Conclusions An HV interval &amp;gt;55ms before TAVI with SEV increases risk of PPM after TAVI and before hospital discharge. There was no difference in PPM implantation after TAVI between different SEV types in our center.

Decreased Incidence of Radial Artery Vasospasm Using a Distal Transradial Approach in Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography: A Comparison of 200 Consecutive Cases.

Radial artery vasospasm is a common complication of radial artery catheterization. During the implementation of distal transradial approach (dTRA), we observed a decreased incidence of radial artery vasospasm on radial artery angiography following access that was not well detailed in the literature. The purpose of this study was to characterize the phenomenon of radial artery vasospasm in the context of different radial artery access points for diagnostic cerebral angiography. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic cerebral angiography from September 2023 to March 2024. Hundred conventional transradial approach (cTRA) and 100 dTRA diagnostic cerebral angiograms were performed. Following sheath insertion, all angiographic runs were reviewed, and a classification scheme was used to detail radial artery vasospasm occurrence. Radial artery vasospasm was lower in the dTRA approach compared with the cTRA approach (P = .019). A change in radial artery diameter was noted in 47 (47%) patients in the cTRA group vs 28 (28%) patients in the dTRA group. Radial artery diameter distal to the sheath was smaller in the cTRA group (2.30 ± 0.41) compared with the dTRA group (2.42 ± 0.48) (P = .021). Patients with Grade II/III spasm were younger (58 years vs 62 years; P = .029) and had a higher percentage of females (77.3% vs 62.4%; P = .030). Grade II/III spasm patients had a higher percentage of the cTRA approach compared with the dTRA approach (62.7% vs 42.4%; P = .008). These procedures were significantly longer with Grade II/III procedure time of 18:00 minutes vs 15.59 minutes in the Grade I group. Number of vessels catheterized was not significantly different between groups (P = .262). dTRA for diagnostic cerebral angiography is associated with a lower incidence of radial artery vasospasm compared with cTRA. Operators seeking to obviate radial artery vasospasm may consider using the dTRA approach for diagnostic cerebral angiography.

Criteria for PAVM Reintervention.

Background/Objectives: To propose criteria for retreating previously embolized PAVMs and determining the effectiveness of the criteria to prevent paradoxical embolization. Methods: A retrospective review of patients with PAVMs treated at a single HHT center of excellence between 1 January 2013, and 10 September 2023, was performed. Patients with PAVM recurrence were either retreated or observed based on the following criteria for PAVM reintervention: 1. Embolic device(s) not creating a sufficiently dense matrix, such that a channel through them may be >/ 2 mm; 2. Accessory feeding artery or pulmonary collateral >/ 2 mm; 3. Hemoptysis in a patient with no other explanation. Results: A total of 438 PAVMs were treated in 151 patients, including 106 patients with definite, 14 possible, and 31 doubtful HHT. Post-embolization PAVM recurrence occurred in 36 patients (36/151, 23.8%), including 15 patients (15/151, 9.9%) with 22 PAVMs (22/438, 5.0%) meeting criteria for reintervention. A total of 21 patients (21/151, 13.9%) with recurrence did not meet reintervention criteria and were therefore observed. Pre-treatment paradoxical embolization occurred in 36 patients (36/151) for a lifetime prevalence rate of 23.7%. Post-treatment paradoxical embolization did not occur in any patients following PAVM embolization (0/151). There was one case of iatrogenic paradoxical embolization in a patient being treated for systemic collateral reperfusion and hemoptysis. However, this was not included given that it was not a spontaneous event. Conclusions: Utilizing modern embolization techniques and devices, the proposed reintervention criteria, and screening intervals, paradoxical embolizations can be effectively prevented in patients with PAVMs.

Prevention of radial artery occlusion after transradial angiography and intervention: a best practice implementation project.

Among the complications associated with transradial artery access, radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most frequent and serious, limiting the reuse of the same radial artery for subsequent procedures and as a graft for coronary artery bypass grafting. The objective of this project was to implement best practices to reduce the incidence of RAO, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care after transradial coronary angiography or intervention. The project was conducted in cardiology department of the Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China. The seven-phase JBI Evidence Implementation Framework was used to guide the project. Eight audit criteria were developed and a baseline audit was conducted to compare current practice with best practices for RAO prevention. Following the implementation of improvement strategies, a follow-up audit was conducted to evaluate the success of the strategies. The implementation of best practices led to significant improvements in reducing the sheath/catheter size and systematically assessing radial artery patency before discharge, with both criteria reaching 100% compliance. The use of prophylactic ulnar compression increased from 0% to 90%, and the adoption of a minimal pressure strategy improved from 0% to 70%. The use of pre-puncture and post-procedural pre-hemostasis nitrates also increased from 23% to 93%. Barriers to implementation included the lack of dedicated devices for prophylactic ulnar artery compression, the possibility of bleeding after removal of the compression device, absence of an evidence-based care workflow, and absence of nursing assessment record forms for RAO prevention. This project promoted evidence-based practices among nurses for the care of RAO patients following transradial angiography and intervention. Efforts should be made to sustain the best practices in the future. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A261.

Acute Ischemic Stroke during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): A Narrative Review of the Literature

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a severe complication and leading cause of mortality in patients under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The aim of our narrative review is to summarize the existing evidence and provide a deep examination of the diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing ECMO support. The incidence rate of ISs is estimated to be between 1 and 8%, while the mortality rate ranges from 44 to 76%, depending on several factors, including ECMO type, duration of support and patient characteristics. Several mechanisms leading to ISs during ECMO have been identified, with thromboembolic events and cerebral hypoperfusion being the most common causes. However, considering that most of the ECMO patients are severely ill or under sedation, stroke symptoms are often underdiagnosed. Multimodal monitoring and daily clinical assessment could be useful preventive techniques. Early recognition of neurological deficits is of paramount importance for prompt therapeutic interventions. All ECMO patients with suspected strokes should immediately receive brain computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) for the identification of large vessel occlusion (LVO) and assessment of collateral blood flow. CT perfusion (CTP) can further assist in the detection of viable tissue (penumbra), especially in cases of strokes of unknown onset. Catheter angiography is required to confirm LVO detected on CTA. Intravenous thrombolytic therapy is usually contraindicated in ECMO as most patients are on active anticoagulation treatment. Therefore, mechanical thrombectomy is the preferred treatment option in cases where there is evidence of LVO. The choice of the arterial vascular access used to perform mechanical thrombectomy should be discussed between interventional radiologists and an ECMO team. Anticoagulation management during the acute phase of IS should be individualized after the thromboembolic risk has been carefully balanced against hemorrhagic risk. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for the optimal management of ISs in patients treated with ECMO.

Hybrid repair of complicated acute aortic arch intramural haematoma with the Castor single-branch stent graft.

We report the off-label application of the Castor single-branch stent graft for a complicated acute intramural haematoma involving the aortic arch. The endograft was deployed in zone 1 with the single branch in the left common carotid artery through a surgical left carotid and percutaneous right femoral artery access. The procedure was completed with the construction of a left carotid-subclavian bypass followed by plug embolization of the left subclavian artery.

Does ultrasound guidance decrease femoral access site complications in neurointerventional procedures? A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundUltrasound has been increasingly used to guide femoral arterial access for neuroendovascular procedures. Its effect on the safety outcomes has yet to be established. PurposeThe purpose is to determine the effect of ultrasound-guided punctures on femoral access site complications (ASC), and to identify other potential predictors of ASC. Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of all the neurovascular cases performed with femoral arterial access between Jan 2016 and Dec 2022. Two groups of patients were selected: the first group had femoral arterial puncture without ultrasound guidance between Jan 2016 and Dec 2017 while the second group received femoral arterial puncture with ultrasound guidance between July 2019 and Dec 2022. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. ResultsA total of 2347 patients and 3181 procedures were included – 1376 in the non-ultrasound group and 1805 in the ultrasound group. The complication rate of femoral arterial access was 2 % (58/3181). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rate between the ultrasound and the non-ultrasound groups (p-value 0.821). Interventional procedures (in particular EVT), larger sheath size use (>/=7Fr) and DAPT were shown to be the independent predictors of femoral arterial ASC (p-value < 0.001), in both univariable and multivariable analyses. The use of larger sheath size and EVT procedures have lower odds of having complications in the ultrasound group compared to the non-ultrasound group (OR: 0.42 (0.09–1.83); p = 0.249 and OR: 0.64 (0.09–4.59); p = 0.663, respectively). ConclusionOur study found that the use of ultrasound does not have statistically significant impact on the safety outcome of femoral arterial access in neuro-endovascular procedures. It is, however, of benefit in high-risk cases. Independent predictors of femoral ASC include interventional vs diagnostic procedures, larger sheath size and DAPT intake. In these high-risk cases, ultrasound guidance helps to minimize femoral ASC.

TCT-995 Comparison of Left Radial vs Femoral Artery Access for Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

TCT-995 Comparison of Left Radial vs Femoral Artery Access for Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Energy barriers govern catheter herniation during endovascular procedures: a 2.5D vascular flow model analysis.

Endovascular procedures rely on navigating guidewires, catheters and other devices through tortuous vasculature to treat disease. A critical challenge in these procedures is catheter herniation, in which the device deviates from its intended path, often irrecoverably. To elucidate the mechanics of herniation, we developed a physical flow model of the aortic arch that enables direct measurement of device curvature during experimentally simulated neuroendovascular procedures conducted from an upper arterial access. Combined with measurements of initial, unstressed device shapes and flexural rigidities, the method enables the experimental estimation of the device bending energies during these simulated procedures. Characteristic energy profiles revealed distinct stages in both herniation and successful navigation, governed by the interplay between device properties and vascular anatomy. A deterministic progression from successful navigation to herniation was identified, with catheter systems following paths determined by measurable energy barriers. Increasing guidewire stiffness or decreasing catheter stiffness reduced the energy barrier for successful navigation while increasing that for herniation. This framework enables the prediction of endovascular herniation risk and offers unique insight into improved device design and clinical decision-making.

TCT-1001 Distal Radial Artery Access for Recanalization of Radial Artery Occlusion in Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Two-Year Follow-Up

TCT-1001 Distal Radial Artery Access for Recanalization of Radial Artery Occlusion in Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Two-Year Follow-Up

TCT-996 A Comparative Study of Dorsal Radial Artery Access vs Classical Radial Artery Access for Percutaneous Coronary Angiography

TCT-996 A Comparative Study of Dorsal Radial Artery Access vs Classical Radial Artery Access for Percutaneous Coronary Angiography

ASSOCIATION OF RADIAL ARTERY ACCESS WITH REDUCED INCIDENCE OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication following cardiac procedures, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The choice of vascular access site may influence the incidence of AKI, with radial artery access potentially offering protective benefits compared to femoral artery access. Objective: To evaluate the association between radial artery access during cardiac procedures and the incidence of acute kidney injury among patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease from January 2023 to January 2024. A total of 370 patients who underwent cardiac procedures were included, comprising 200 patients in the radial artery access group and 170 in the femoral artery access group. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records, including demographic information, baseline renal function, procedural details, and serum creatinine levels before and after the procedure. The incidence of AKI was determined based on established criteria for changes in serum creatinine. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests, with a significance level set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Patients in the radial artery access group had a shorter average hospital stay (2.5 ± 1.2 days) compared to the femoral group (3.8 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.001). The mortality rate was lower in the radial group (1.5%) versus the femoral group (4.1%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was 2.5% in the radial group compared to 5.9% in the femoral group (p = 0.07). Acute kidney injury occurred in 10.0% of patients in the radial artery access group (20 out of 200) versus 17.6% in the femoral artery access group (30 out of 170), indicating a significant reduction in AKI incidence with radial access. Conclusion: Using radial artery access during cardiac procedures significantly reduces the incidence of acute kidney injury compared to femoral artery access. These findings support the preference for radial artery access to minimize the risk of AKI and improve patient outcomes.

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

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. 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). 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. 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. 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.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in the patient with obesity.

Palpation of anatomic landmarks is difficult in patients with obesity, which could increase difficulty of achieving femoral access and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) placement. The primary aim of this study was to examine the association between obesity and successful REBOA placement. We hypothesized that higher body mass index (BMI) would decrease first-attempt success and increase time to successful aortic occlusion (AO). A review of the Aortic Occlusion for Resuscitation in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery (AORTA) registry was performed on patients who underwent REBOA placement with initiation systolic blood pressure >0 mm Hg from years 2013-2022. Patients were excluded if they received cardiopulmonary resuscitation on arrival, underwent open AO, or missing data entries for variables of interest. Body mass index categorization was as follows: non-obese (<30), class I (30-34.9), class II (35-39.9), and class III (40+) obesity. Patients were also stratified by access technique, including use of palpation or ultrasound guidance. Inclusion criteria were met by 410 patients. On binary analysis, no primary outcomes of interest, including rate of success, time to placement, or mortality, were significantly impacted by BMI. Among BMI subgroups, there was no statistical difference in injury severity, admission systolic blood pressure (SBP), or augmented SBP. At initiation of aortic occlusion, patients with class II and class III obesity had higher median SBP compared with non- and class I obese patients (p = 0.03). Body mass index subgroup did not impact likelihood of first-attempt success or conversion to open procedure. When stratified by access technique, there was no difference in success rates, time to success or mortality between groups. Body habitus did not impact success of REBOA placement, time to successful AO, or mortality. Further, ultrasound guidance was not superior to landmark palpation for arterial access. Following traumatic injury without hemodynamic collapse, obesity should not deter providers from considering REBOA placement. Therapeutic/Care management, Observational, Cross-sectional; Level IV.

Radial artery access with a sheathless 0.087” inner diameter balloon guide catheter (Walrus) for neurointerventional procedures: Technique and clinical outcomes

Radial artery access with a sheathless 0.087” inner diameter balloon guide catheter (Walrus) for neurointerventional procedures: Technique and clinical outcomes