Distal solution for an (un)conventional radial artery complication: a case report

Background: The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend transradial access (TRA) for coronary angiography due to its advantages, including lower mortality and bleeding complications. Arterial pseudoaneurysms are rare but challenging complications of TRA, occurring in 0.009%-0.05% of procedures. Non-surgical management, especially in cases with large (>1 mm) necks or late discovery, can be difficult due to the limited effectiveness of echo-guided compression and risks of echo-guided thrombin injection, like thrombin embolization leading to necrosis.

Case summary: An 82-year-old underwent successful non-surgical management of a large-neck pseudoaneurysm following TRA for a primary percutaneous coronary intervention of the left anterior descending artery. Clinical examination revealed a pulsatile mass at the puncture site, diagnosed via ultrasound as a pseudoaneurysm with a >1 mm neck. Through distal radial access, an initial 5 Fr sheath was upsized to 8 Fr based on ultrasound findings, achieving complete pseudoaneurysm exclusion. Follow-ups confirmed pseudoaneurysm sealing and radial artery patency.

Discussion: This case illustrates an effective non-surgical approach to managing large-neck pseudoaneurysms post-TRA, utilizing an upsized sheath technique. It underscores the importance of innovative non-surgical strategies in complex cases, providing a safe and effective alternative to traditional management methods.