Distal Transradial Access in the Anatomic Snuffbox for Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography

Area of Science:

• Vascular Access Techniques
• Neurointerventional Radiology
• Cerebral Angiography

Background:

• Transradial access is a common approach for endovascular procedures.
• Novel access sites are being explored to improve procedural success and patient comfort.
• The anatomic snuffbox offers a unique distal arterial access point.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, technique, and safety of distal transradial access (TRA) in the anatomic snuffbox.
• To assess the utility of this novel approach for diagnostic cerebral angiography.
• To report initial single-center outcomes of distal TRA.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of diagnostic cerebral angiograms.
• Analysis of procedures performed using distal transradial access in the anatomic snuffbox over a 6-month period.
• Documentation of procedural success, failure, and any complications.

Main Results:

• Thirty-four successful diagnostic cerebral angiograms were performed using distal transradial access.
• Four attempts at distal transradial access were unsuccessful.
• The technique was found to be safe and effective in this cohort.

Conclusions:

• Distal transradial access in the anatomic snuffbox is a feasible and safe option for diagnostic cerebral angiography.
• This approach demonstrates potential as an alternative vascular access site for neurointerventional procedures.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger, multi-center studies.