Initial Experience with Transradial Access for Cerebrovascular Procedures: Is It Feasible and Safe?

Background Despite the proven benefit of transradial access over transfemoral access in cardiac procedures, the transition for cerebrovascular procedures has only been slowly enforced. We present our experience with transradial access in cerebral diagnostic angiographies and neurointerventional procedures. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent transradial access for cerebrovascular procedures in 3 German centers between February 2017 and May 2019. Demographics, technical features, and complications were evaluated. Results Transradial access was successful in 40/45 endovascular procedures (89%). Selected catheterization of the intended vessels was obtained in 95% of cases (40/42). The rate of procedure-related vascular complications was 2% (1/45). Conclusions In this small retrospective series, transradial access proved to be safe and efficient. In the future, it is planned to further promote it as a standard access alternative for more patients.