Routine transradial access for conventional cerebral angiography: a single operator's experience of its feasibility and safety

Br J Radiol. 2004 Oct;77(922):831-8. doi: 10.1259/bjr/89933527.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe a single operator's experience with the feasibility and safety of transradial access in conventional cerebral angiography. 153 patients were enrolled consecutively. Among them, 20 patients were not suitable for transradial access. A Simmons catheter was used. Haemostasis was achieved using a compressive dressing of the wrist. We analysed the success rates of the arterial puncture and the successful catheterization rate for each supra-aortic vessel as well as all complications. The arterial access was successful in 96.3%. The supra-aortic vessels were catheterized with success rates of 99.2% (127/128) for the left subclavian artery and 100% for the other arteries. The mean procedure time was 19.3 min (range 10-55 min). Haemostasis was successfully achieved in every case. The most frequent complication was arm pain which occurred in 37 patients (28.9%). In conclusion, transradial selective cerebral angiography with a reversed-angle catheter is technically feasible and safe. It might be helpful in imaging follow-up of patients with arterial stenting or coil embolisation of the cerebral aneurysms. Modification of the catheter design is required to improve the selectivity of the supra-aortic branches.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Catheterization, Peripheral
  • Cerebral Angiography / methods*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radial Artery*