A modified technique for radial artery access: how interventional radiologists can optimise the cardiologists' technique to suite their procedures.

BACKGROUND

This is a single-centre prospective observational study examining radial access in 62 Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE) procedures. Evaluation of left radial artery diameter using high frequency ultrasound before and after administration of sublingual glycerl trinitrate (GTN). Pre-procedure questionnaires calculating symptom severity score compared with post-procedure.

RESULTS

Sublingual GTN resulted in a statistically significant increase in radial artery diameter (p < .00001). There was a statistically significant reduction in both average International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QoL) from pre-procedure to post-PAE. The radial sheath was successfully inserted in 100% of cases. Crossover rate to femoral access was low (4%). Radial artery access had a low complication rate (2%). Radial artery variant anatomy was reasonably common (7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Sublingual GTN significantly increase radial artery diameter. PAE from radial access is associated with a symptomatic improvement at 2-month follow-up.