Uterine artery embolization using a transradial approach: initial experience and technique.

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Transfemoral access is the standard for uterine artery embolization (UAE).
• Transradial access (TRA) offers benefits in percutaneous coronary interventions, becoming a preferred method.
• Evaluating TRA for UAE is a logical progression given its advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and safety of performing uterine artery embolization (UAE) using transradial access (TRA).
• To compare TRA with traditional transfemoral access for UAE procedures.

Main Methods:

• A single-institution study included 29 consecutive patients undergoing transradial UAE from March 2013 to October 2013.
• Technical success and complication rates were recorded.
• Radial artery patency was assessed at 1-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The technical success rate for transradial UAE was 100%.
• No immediate major or minor complications were reported.
• All patients maintained radial artery patency at the 1-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Transradial UAE is a feasible and safe alternative to transfemoral access.
• Preliminary data support TRA as a viable option for UAE.
• Further investigation into TRA for UAE is warranted.