Different Approaches for Cerebral Angiography: Distal Radial Artery or Proximal Radial Artery? A Single-Center,...

As a safer approach for cerebral angiography, there is still a lack of further systematic research on the distal radial artery approach. To compare the safety and efficacy of the distal radial artery approach versus the conventional (proximal) radial artery approach for cerebral angiography, providing evidence for optimizing cerebrovascular disease diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Sixty patients with cerebrovascular disease admitted to Guangdong Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the distal radial artery group (experimental group, n = 30) or the conventional radial artery group (control group, n = 30). Data on puncture time, procedure duration, contrast agent dosage, radiation dose, complication rates, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0.

Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in total procedure duration (total puncture time: 10 (11) vs. 8 (10.5) min, p = 0.982; puncture-to-procedure completion time: 50 (17.3) vs. 50 (22.3) min, p = 0.728). Contrast agent volume (135 (5.5) vs. 130 (10) mL, p = 0.051) and radiation dose (925.68 ± 274.83 vs. 899.71 ± 326.25 mGy·cm², p = 0.740) also showed no significant differences. However, the experimental group had a lower complication rate (3.33% vs. 23.33%, p = 0.023) and higher patient satisfaction (100% vs. 86.67%, p = 0.038).

The distal radial artery approach for cerebral angiography reduces complication risks and improves patient comfort, demonstrating significant clinical advantages. However, due to the single-center design and short-term follow-up, further multicenter, large-sample studies are needed to validate its long-term benefits.