Is Transradial Cerebral Angiography Feasible and Safe? A Single Center's Experience

Introduction: A transradial angiography is accepted as the gold standard for cardiovascular procedures, cerebral angiography has been performed via transfemoral approach in most institutions. The purpose of this study is to present our experience concerning the feasibility, efficacy, and safety

Method(s): Between February 2019 and October 2021, a total of 1,240 cerebral angiographies were performed via a transradial approach in a single center. The right radial approach was used as an initial access route. The procedure continued only after the ulnar artery was proven to provide satisfactory collateral perfusion according to two tests (a modified Allen's test and forearm angiography).

Result(s): The procedural success rate was 94.8% with a mean duration of 28 minutes. All supra-aortic vessels were successfully catheterized with a success rate of 100%. The radial artery occlusion was found in 4 patients (5.4%) on follow-up cerebral angiography, but no ischemic symptoms were observed.

Conclusion(s): This study suggests that cerebral angiography using a transradial approach can be performed with minimal risk of morbidity and might be useful follow-up angiographics with less stress on patients.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023