Transradial neurointervention with the Benchmark BMX81 guide catheter: multicenter European experience

Area of Science:

• Neuroendovascular interventions
• Vascular access techniques
• Medical device evaluation

Background:

• Transradial access (TRA) is increasingly used in neurointervention due to fewer complications and better patient comfort than transfemoral approaches.
• Anatomical challenges in the radial route necessitate specialized guide catheters for navigability, support, and safety.
• Limited multicenter data exist for the Benchmark BMX81 guide catheter within a standardized radial-first approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Benchmark BMX81 guide catheter in a multicenter, radial-first neurointerventional setting.
• To assess technical success rates, access conversion, and procedural abortion related to the BMX81.
• To analyze access site complications associated with the BMX81 in transradial neuroendovascular procedures.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study was conducted across nine European neurointerventional centers.
• Included were adult patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures using the BMX81 as the primary guide catheter via a radial-first strategy.
• Technical success, access conversion, procedural abortion, and complications were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Technical success was achieved in 96.3% of 300 patients (289 cases).
• Radial-to-femoral access conversion (1.3%) and procedural abortion (2.3%) were rare and linked to patient anatomy, not catheter failure.
• Access-related complications were minor, including radial artery spasm (1.7%) and hematoma (5.3%); no major adverse events like stroke or mortality occurred.

Conclusions:

• The BMX81 guide catheter demonstrated high technical success and a favorable safety profile in neuroendovascular procedures within a radial-first strategy.
• Catheter performance is influenced by the interplay of patient anatomy, access strategy, and device design.
• The BMX81 is a reliable option for neurointerventionalists practicing anatomically informed radial-first approaches.