A Comparative Study of Transradial Versus Transfemoral Access for Flow Diversion

Introduction: Radial access is not without limitations including smaller artery size, anatomical variants and lack of radial-specific catheters. To primary aim is to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of intracranial aneurysm treatment with flow diverting stents using transradial compared with transfemoral access.

Method(s): We conducted a retrospective 85 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular embolization for intracranial aneurysms using flow diverting stents from January 2019 through October 2021 (34 months). Patients were divided into two groups: transradial access (19 patients) and TFA (66 patients). A comparative analysis was performed between the two groups.

Result(s): There was no significant difference in postoperative ICH, ischemic stroke, or other complications between TRA versus TFA groups. However, access site complications were lower in TRA versus TFA group (5.3 vs. 25.8%, respectively). There was no significant difference in complete occlusion at follow-up DSA/MRA.

Conclusion(s): The efficacy of flow diversion via TRA for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms is comparable to TFA. However, access site complications were significantly lower in TRA group.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023