Percutaneous axillary artery access for endovascular interventions

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Endovascular Techniques

Background:

• Endovascular therapy complexity is increasing.
• Upper extremity arterial access aids visceral branch interventions.
• Axillary artery percutaneous access is explored for endovascular repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the viability of axillary artery percutaneous access.
• Evaluate its role in endovascular repair.

Main Methods:

• Reviewed 25 axillary artery percutaneous accesses in 19 patients (Dec 2015-Dec 2016).
• Documented demographics, comorbidities, and smoking status.
• Assessed technical success, perioperative complications (hematoma, brachial plexus injury), and functional outcomes.

Main Results:

• Mean patient age was 72 years; 68% were male.
• Common comorbidities included hypertension (84%), hyperlipidemia (90%), and smoking (90%).
• Two perioperative deaths and one return to OR for hematoma occurred; no major neurologic or ischemic complications were noted.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous axillary artery access is a viable strategy for complex endovascular interventions.
• It allows larger sheath sizes and avoids brachial/axillary artery exposure.
• It presents a safe and practical alternative to femoral and brachial access.