Initial Experience Using the Transradial Approach for Endovascular Treatment of Vascular Pathologies: Safety and Feasibility

Background Endovascular treatment of vascular pathologies through the transradial approach has been increasingly used and has demonstrated a low rate of complications. Objective To report our initial experience in the endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases with the transradial approach and to determine its safety and feasibility. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent the transradial approach for endovascular treatment of aneurysms and vascular malformations were reviewed at a single institution. Technical success, fluoroscopy time, and access-related complications were analyzed. Results Eight patients underwent endovascular treatment with the transradial approach. One arteriovenous fistula, one superficial temporal artery aneurysm, three arteriovenous malformations, and four aneurysms were treated successfully. The radial artery was successfully approached and a 6-F sheath was used in all the cases. Navigation of guiding catheters (5 and 6 F) was done without complications. The most commonly approached artery was the right internal carotid artery, followed by the right vertebral artery. Postoperative vasospasm was identified in three patients. Mean fluoroscopy time was 34.7 minutes. Conversion to transfemoral approach was not required. No postoperative complications were reported. Conclusions In our initial experience, the transradial approach is a safe and feasible alternative for the endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular pathologies.