Relationship between platelet/hemoglobin and radial thrombus in patients with coronary angiography via radial access

Aim: To predict the development of radial artery thrombus (RAT) in patients with radial approach coronary angiography of platelet-to-hemoglobin ratio (PHR). Materials & methods: This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between RAT and PHR. A total of 1156 patients who had coronary angiography via the transradial approach between 2021 and 2022 in the authors' center were included in the study. Results: Radial thrombus was detected in 52 (4.5%) patients. PHR was higher in the group with thrombus and was statistically significant. In the regression model, PHR was an independent predictor of the development of radial thrombus (p = 0.007). Conclusion: High PHR may be an independent predictor of the development of radial thrombus.

A Case Report of Radial Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Repeated Radial Puncture for Arterial Blood Gas

Arterial blood gas, with subsequent radial arterial puncture as a simple access point, comprises a ubiquitous medical procedure in the diagnostic workup of patients admitted to the emergency department with dyspnea. Despite being a relatively safe and technically straightforward procedure, due to its considerable use, it is of vital importance to be able to promptly recognize its potential complications. We present the case of a 96-year-old female patient admitted to the emergency department with dyspnea and cough who underwent left radial arterial puncture for arterial blood gas. A total of three puncture attempts were performed until arterial blood was collected. Roughly two weeks upon observation, the patient was readmitted to the emergency department after the insidious appearance of a painful swelling in the left wrist, with progressive worsening since hospital discharge. On physical examination, a painful erythematous pulsatile swelling in the left wrist's volar aspect was observed, and further point-of-care ultrasound evaluation documented a cysticlike collection, communicating with the radial artery's lumen, and suggesting the probable diagnosis of iatrogenic radial pseudoaneurysm. The patient was hospitalized and underwent surgical resection of radial pseudoaneurysm, with subsequent arterial repair. Although severe complications from arterial blood gas have a low incidence rate, prompt diagnosis and management are required. Therefore, point-of-care ultrasound, as an additional diagnostic tool, may play a role in minimizing the risk of procedural complications.

Iatrogenic radial arteriovenous fistula closure via intraluminal compression in a patient with fibromuscular dysplasia

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is an arteriopathy of medium-sized vessels causing pathological arterial wall fragility. However, only minimal data exist on evaluating the risk of transradial access (TRA) in these patients. We describe the case of a woman in her 70s who underwent left middle meningeal artery embolisation for an acute-on-chronic subdural haematoma via right TRA. Radial angiography demonstrated significant FMD throughout the entire right upper extremity. To prevent radial spasm, a 23 cm sheath was placed without difficulty. However, follow-up angiography demonstrated the presence of a new radial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) just distal to the brachial bifurcation. Since no forearm haematoma or limb ischaemia developed, the procedure was continued transradially. After embolisation, the guide catheter was removed and follow-up angiography demonstrated resolution of the fistula. This case illustrates that, in the absence of concerning clinical signs, compression from the guide catheter alone may facilitate thrombosis of an acutely identified iatrogenic radial AVF.

Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome After Radial Artery Cannulation: A Case Report

CASE

A 20-year-old postpartum woman developed paresthesias and intolerable pain over the volar aspect of the first through fourth fingers, after radial artery cannulation (RAC) during cesarean section. Ultrasonography did not show any hematoma in the forearm. Urgent carpal tunnel release and median nerve decompression were performed, resulting in complete disappearance of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Acute median nerve compression is a rare injury in its own, but it is even rarer as a complication of RAC. Urgent decompression should be performed as soon as possible to avoid future neurological deficits.

Sudden rupture of small aneurysm of the radial artery in a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia

In patients with COVID-19, even small radial aneurysm may suddenly rupture.

Ultrasound evaluation of the radial artery in young adults - A pilot study

The radial artery is a vessel frequently used in various medical procedures which carry a risk of complications. One such method used to minimize the number of complications is a profound knowledge of the artery's diameter, which allows for appropriate selection of an instrument to use for puncture. The purpose of this study is to determine the diameter of the radial artery and its depth from the skin surface in young adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

96 volunteers participated in the study. The average age of the volunteers was 20.43 years. All participants underwent a B-mode ultrasonography to measure the distal radial artery's diameter. Certified anthropometric instruments were used to determine the relation between the artery diameter and the selected basic anthropometric parameters.

RESULTS

The mean right arterial diameter for the entire examined population at the level of the styloid process was mean 1.42 (SD 0.26) mm and its distance to the skin was mean 4.00 (SD1.20) mm. Statistical analysis revealed the presence of moderate positive relationship between the diameter of the radial artery and body weight and between the diameter of the radial artery and BMI. A weak correlation between the artery diameter and the width of the wrist was also present.

CONCLUSION

In the present work, we aimed to determine the dimensions of the distal section of the radial artery in young people free from symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. The obtained initial study results advise selecting instruments for vascular puncture individually, with special attention paid to slender people with slim wrists.

Late massive radial artery pseudoaneurysm following cardiac catheterization: A case report

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Radial artery access for cardiac catherization can have complications, rarely a pseudoanuerysm can form.

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Imaging modalities to diagnose a pseudoaneursym including arterial ultrasound can computed tomography can help with diagnosis.

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Management of a pseudoaneurysm depends on the severity and can involve compression techniques, thrombin injections, or surgical repair.

Introduction

Transradial artery approach for cardiac catheterization was first introduced in the late 1980s and has now become the approach of choice due to its anatomical advantage, reduction in complications, and overall improved patient experience.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 77 year-old female who presented with an extremely rare and late complication of radial artery pseudoaneurysm after transradial coronary intervention. The patient presented at a post-procedural follow-up with severe pain at the radial access site and was found to have a partially thrombosed pseudoaneurysm. Given the anatomical variance of the pseudoaneurysm, the patient underwent successful open surgical repair.

Clinical discussion

Although radial artery access is a relatively safe approach in comparison to the transfemoral approach, the risk of adverse events still exists. Among the complications of the transradial approach, pseudoaneurysms are relatively rare, occurring in less than 0.1% of cases. Regardless, early identification of this complication is essential to timely intervention.

Conclusion

Our case highlights the importance of post procedural monitoring and early identification and diagnosis of the complication to facilitate appropriate therapy.

Update on Transradial Access for Percutaneous Transcatheter Visceral Artery Embolization

Transfemoral access (TFA) is a widely used first-line approach for most peripheral vascular interventions. Since its introduction in cardiologic and neurointerventional procedures, several advantages of transradial access (TRA) over TFA have been demonstrated, such as patient preference, lower complication rates, early ambulation, and shorter hospital stay. However, studies reporting the safety and efficacy of this approach for peripheral vascular interventions performed by interventional radiologists are relatively few. This review aimed to summarize the technique and clinical applications of TRA in percutaneous transcatheter visceral artery embolization and the management of complications.

Acute Upper-Limb Complications Following Radial Artery Catheterization for Coronary Angiography

PURPOSE

The radial artery is becoming the vessel of choice for performing cardiac catheterization. Transradial catheterization can impose risks on the upper extremity, and hand surgeons should be aware of the most frequent complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, timing, and scope of upper-limb complications shortly after transradial catheterization.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of patients who underwent catheterization between 2009 and 2016. Complications were assessed for up to 60 days. The Cox model was used to assess risk factors for complications.

RESULTS

A total of 10,540 patients were included in the analysis (68.5% male), median age 67 years. There were 79 patients who experienced at least one complication within 60 days (0.84% of procedures; 95% confidence interval, 0.65% to 1.02%). The most common complications were hematoma (n = 39) and radial artery occlusion (n = 28). Other complications included pseudoaneurysm (n = 7), arteriovenous fistula (n = 3), carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 4), arterial perforation (n = 3), persistent vasospasm (n = 2), and compartment syndrome (n = 1). The complications were diagnosed a median of 1 day after catheterization. Female sex was at increased risk for developing a complication. Diabetes, age, body mass index, and catheter size were not associated with an increased risk for developing a complication. Ten patients underwent surgical management of a complication. Reasons for surgery included symptomatic radial artery occlusions, pseudoaneurysm formation, arteriovenous fistulas, and compartment syndrome. No identifiable risk factors were associated with patients who underwent surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of upper-limb complications after radial artery catheterization is small. They include arterial occlusion, bleeding, compartment syndrome, arteriovenous fistula, and pseudoaneurysm. Most complications presented within 1 week of the procedure and occurred more frequently in the female sex. Operative management of complications was infrequent.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Avoiding peripheral nerve injury in arterial interventions

Although peripheral nerve injuries secondary to angiography and endovascular interventions are uncommon and usually not permanent, they can result in significant functional impairment. Most arteries used in access for angiography and endovascular therapies lie in close proximity to a nerve. The nerve may be injured by needle puncture, or by compression from hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, hemostasis devices, or by manual compression with incidence in literature ranging from as low as 0.04% for femoral access in a large retrospective study to 9% for brachial and axillary access. Given the increasing frequency of endovascular arterial procedures and the increasing use of nontraditional access points, it is important that the interventionalist have a working knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy and function as it relates to relevant arterial access sites to avoid injury.

Update on complications and their management during transradial cardiac catheterization

Introduction: Transradial artery access (TRA) was introduced in 1989 and has been universally used as an alternative approach to the traditional transfemoral access (TFA). Complications of TRA include asymptomatic and less likely symptomatic radial artery occlusion, nonocclusive radial artery injury, radial artery spasm, radial arterial perforation, radial artery pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, granuloma formation, access-site bleeding, nerve damage, complex regional pain syndrome along with other rare complications.Areas covered: A literature search was performed using MedLine, PubMed, and Google Scholar (dating to 1 May 2019). Authors reviewed all articles related to transradial artery catheterization, its complications, as well as novel techniques for their management. The article provides insight on the incidence, risk factors, and prevention of such complications along with a description of usual and newer techniques to decrease morbidity.Expert opinion: With increasing experience, TRA complication rate is decreasing and new very uncommon complications are being described. A 'radial first' approach should be implemented in all catheterization laboratories and a physician's familiarity with minor and major complications is a must. Distal radial artery access through the snuff box might be the preferred site of accessing the radial artery and further studies will be needed to prove its superiority to the current access site.

Effectiveness of a Non-Taped Compression Dress in Patients Receiving Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

Background

Hematoma and skin damage are not uncommon after cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) placement. The use of conventional hemostatic gauze and tape seems to be suboptimal in controlling these complications. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel compression dress with a special pad and elastic bands for postoperative care.

Methods

A total of 175 CIED recipients were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group with 85 patients who used a non-taped compression dress and a control group with 90 patients who used conventional gauze ball and elastic tapes. Skin integrity, hematoma, and oozing were compared between these two groups within 7 days after surgery.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 71.2 ± 13.3 years, and 83 (47.4%) were male. The results of the experimental vs. control group were as follows: skin integrity - 96.5% vs. 86.7% (p < 0.05); hematoma - 0% vs. 7.8% (p < 0.05); and oozing - 1.2% vs. 7.8% (p < 0.05). All observed endpoints were better in the experimental group.

Conclusions

The use of a non-taped compression dress was associated with less unfavorable outcomes in terms of skin integrity and hemostasis.

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Catheter for Transradial Cerebral Angiography

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel catheter for right radial artery approach cerebral angiography.

METHODS

Patients from the Neurology Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University who underwent diagnostic cerebral angiography of either the left vertebral artery dominant type or balanced type were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 167 patients were treated between February 2016 and December 2017, of whom 44 were excluded based on study exclusion criteria and 123 were enrolled in the present analysis. Bilateral subclavian artery catheterization and bilateral common carotid artery catheterization were conducted successfully in all 123 patients. The success rate of selective catheterization of the left vertebral artery was 87.8% (108/123). The success rate of selective catheterization of the right vertebral artery using the novel catheter was 89.0% (73/82). The average fluoroscopy time was 6.5 ± 3.4 min, the average operation duration was 47 ± 3.7 (range 50-90) min, and the average dosage of contrast agent was 112.3 ± 8.1 mL. One patient exhibited an absence of pulse in the punctual radial artery after the removal of the arterial compression band, but there was no evidence of ischemia of the distal hand. One patient who was undergoing dual anti-platelet drug treatment suffered from bleeding at the puncture point when deflated for 2 hr after operation; this patient was re-pressurized and re-timed.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel catheter improved the success rate of selective left vertebral artery catheterization, and allowed for simplification of the relevant surgical steps. The controllability of this novel catheter was satisfactory, and its associated surgical risk was found to be low.

Noninvasive Treatment Approach of Radial Pseudoaneurysm

Transradial approach for cardiac catheterization is a viable alternative to transfemoral approach given its ease of access, lessened complication risk, and post procedural comfort for patients. Radial pseudoaneurysm presents as a rare complication in less than 1% of these procedures. The use of external compression banding is an approach that shows promise as a noninvasive attempt towards resolving this complication. However, it has been documented in very few reports. We describe a case of an 82-year-old woman who underwent transradial approach to cardiac catheterization, and developed a radial pseudoaneurysm following the procedure as confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography. We used compressive banding as a technique to attempt to resolve this radial pseudoaneurysm. Following a strict protocol of pneumatic banding, repeat ultrasonography revealed complete resolution of radial pseudoaneurysm. This case highlights a potentially noninvasive technique that could serve as a first-line approach towards resolving this rare phenomenon.

Efficacy and safety of a 260-cm Amplatz Super Stiff guidewire during transradial percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Although transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (TR-PCI) is widely used in clinical practice, guidewire-related complications are an important cause of transradial approach failure. We investigated the prognostic value of the 260-cm Amplatz Super Stiff guidewire for reducing the complication rate during TR-PCI.

METHODS

Five hundred patients with positive Allen's test results were divided into 3 groups according to the type of angiography guidewire: group A, 150-cm Emerald guidewire standard J-tip (n = 160); group B, 150-cm Radifocus guidewire M (n = 176); and group C, exchangeable 260-cm Amplatz Super Stiff guidewire after placement of a 150-cm Radifocus guidewire M (n = 164).

RESULTS

Group C had the highest success rate (P = .008) and the lowest incidence of operative complications such as radial artery spasms and hematomas (P = .030 and P = .036, respectively). In addition, the groups differed significantly in terms of fluoroscopy and catheter placement times (P = .02. and P < .001, respectively); group C had the shortest times for these occurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

The exchangeable 260-cm Amplatz Super Stiff guidewire markedly decreased the incidence of guidewire-related complications, reduced fluoroscopy times, and increased the procedural success rate. Therefore, this tool can be considered a safe, effective, and feasible exchangeable guidewire for TR-PCI.

Surgery Averted Using a Novel, Minimally Invasive Approach to Treat Very Severe Radial Artery Spasm

A 42-year-old male admitted with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was referred for invasive angiographic assessment. Based on preprocedural assessment, the right radial artery approach was selected. Despite possessing none of the consensus risk factors for radial artery spasm, in addition to receiving standard arterial spasm prophylaxis and conscious sedation, the patient suffered very severe radial artery spasm with initial catheter placement, resulting in entrapment of a 5 Fr pigtail catheter within the left ventricle. After exhausting traditional methods for resolution of radial artery spasm, surgical intervention appeared to be the only remaining option for removal of the entrapped catheter. Prior to committing to surgery, use of an axillary nerve block to hinder sympathetic vascular tone was suggested and attempted. This intervention resulted in atraumatic catheter removal. We present a case of very severe radial artery spasm refractory to customary interventions, alleviated with a novel, minimally invasive technique, which spared surgical intervention.

Successful Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome with Pseudoaneurysm Excision and Median Nerve Neurolysis

BACKGROUND

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a pain syndrome characterized by severe pain, altered autonomic and motor function, and trophic changes. CRPS is usually associated with soft tissue injury or trauma. It has also been described as a rare complication of arterial access for angiography secondary to pseudoaneurysm formation.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 73-year-old woman underwent catheterization of the left brachial artery for angiography of the celiac artery. The following day, the patient noticed numbness and severe pain in the median nerve distribution of the left upper extremity. Over the next 6 months, the patient developed CRPS in the left hand with pain and signs of autonomic dysfunction. Further work-up revealed the formation of a left brachial artery pseudoaneurysm with impingement on the median nerve. She underwent excision of the pseudoaneurysm with decompression and neurolysis of the left median nerve. Approximately 6 weeks after surgery, the patient had noticed significant improvement in autonomic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This case involves a unique presentation of CRPS caused by brachial artery angiography and pseudoaneurysm formation. In addition, the case demonstrates the efficacy of pseudoaneurysm excision and median nerve neurolysis in the treatment of CRPS as a rare complication of arterial angiography.

Rationale and design of the ARCUS: Effects of trAnsRadial perCUtaneouS coronary intervention on upper extremity function

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to provide a complete insight in the access-site morbidity and upper extremity function after Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (TR-PCI).

BACKGROUND

In percutaneous coronary intervention the Transradial Approach (TRA) is gaining popularity as a default technique. It is a very promising technique with respect to post-procedure complications, but the exact effects of TRA on upper extremity function are unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effects of trAnsRadial perCUtaneouS coronary intervention on upper extremity function (ARCUS) trial is a multicenter prospective cohort study that will be conducted in all patients admitted for TR-PCI. Clinical outcomes will be monitored during a follow-up of 6 months, with its primary endpoint at two weeks of follow-up. To investigate the complete upper extremity function, a combination of physical examinations and validated questionnaires will be used to provide information on anatomical integrity, strength, range of motion (ROM), coordination, sensibility, pain, and functioning in everyday life. Procedural and material specifications will be registered in order to include all possible aspects influencing upper extremity function.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study will elucidate the effect of TR-PCI on upper extremity function. This creates the opportunity to further optimize TR-PCI, to make improvements in functional outcome and to prevent morbidity regarding full upper extremity function. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Revealing the impact of local access-site complications and upper extremity dysfunction post transradial percutaneous coronary procedures

Objectives

Little is known about local access-site complications and upper extremity dysfunction after transradial percutaneous coronary procedures (TR-PCP). This systematic review study aimed to summarise the current knowledge on the incidences of access-site complications and upper extremity dysfunction after TR-PCP.

Methods

Two independent, trained investigators searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL for eligible studies published before 1 January 2015. Also, they hand-searched the conference proceedings of the annual scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, European Society of Cardiology, and the Trans-catheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics. Inclusion criteria were cohort studies and clinical trials discussing the incidence of access-site complications and upper extremity function after transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (TR-PCI) and/or transradial coronary angiography (TR-CAG) as endpoints.

Results

176 articles described access-site complications. The incidence is up to 9.6 %. Fourteen articles described upper extremity dysfunction, with an incidence of up to 1.7 %. Upper extremity dysfunction was rarely investigated, hardly ever as primary endpoint, and if investigated not thoroughly enough.

Conclusion

Upper extremity dysfunction in TR-PCP has never been properly investigated and is therefore underestimated. Further studies are needed to investigate the magnitude, prevention and best treatment of upper extremity dysfunction. Optimising TR-PCP might be achieved by using slender techniques, detection of upper extremity dysfunction and early referral to a hand rehabilitation centre.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi: 10.1007/s12471-015-0747-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. This supplementary file contains References 51–202.

Successful treatment of a radial artery pseudoaneurysm in an octogenarian

The transradial approach for coronary catheterisation has gained rising popularity owing to its fewer access site complications compared with the transfemoral approach. A rare but recognisable complication of the procedure is radial artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA). We report a case of radial PSA occurring 2 h following percutaneous coronary intervention in an 85-year-old woman, which was successfully treated by ultrasound-guided thrombin injection. This non-surgical technique has recently gained rising popularity as a relatively novel modality of managing radial PSA.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II Secondary to Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by severe pain and vasomotor and pseudomotor changes. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms is a recent advance in vascular surgery that has allowed repair of AAA while offering reduced intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay, reduced blood loss, fewer major complications, and more rapid recovery. Pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of an EVAR procedure that may result in a wide range of complications. The present report examines CRPS type II as a novel consequence of pseudoaneurysm formation from brachial artery access in the EVAR procedure. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CRPS type II presentation as sequelae of an EVAR procedure.

Complex regional pain syndrome and acute carpal tunnel syndrome following radial artery cannulation: a neurological perspective and review of the literature

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) associated with acute carpal tunnel syndrome (aCTS) developed in a 38-year-old right-handed man following radial artery cannulation (RAC) during the course of lumbar spine surgery. Inciting events and risk factors that might have led to these complications included: multiple arterial punctures and subsequent hematoma formation, radial artery spasm compounded by aggressive hemostasis, anatomical changes in the wrists related to repetitive manual activities in the workplace, and possible protracted hyperextension of the wrists during perioperative and operative procedure. Although CRPS is considered a rare complication of RAC, the condition is disabling and debilitating, especially when associated with aCTS.

A prospective randomized comparison of left and right radial approach for percutaneous coronary angiography in Asian populations

Background

The efficacy of coronary angiography may be different in the right radial approach (RRA) and the left radial approach (LRA) due to more common vascular tortuosity in the RRA. The aim of the study was to determine whether LRA is a valid alternative for coronary angiography compared with RRA in Asian populations.

Methods

This is a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study. A total of 1,400 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography were recruited and randomized to the RRA (number [n]=700) or LRA (n=700) group. The primary end point was total procedural duration. Secondary end points included fluoroscopy time, dose of radiation including cumulative air kerma and dose area product, contrast volume, and the incidence of vascular complications.

Results

Coronary procedural success was achieved in 682 of 700 (97.4%) patients in the RRA and 680 of 700 (97.1%) in the LRA. The total procedural time (RRA 14.1±6.3 minutes versus LRA 13.2±6.0 minutes; P=0.006) and fluoroscopy time (RRA 3.8±3.3 minutes versus LRA 3.4±2.8 minutes; P=0.046) were significantly shorter via LRA in comparison to RRA. The percentage of hydrophilic wire use was also lower in the LRA group (14% [RRA] versus 10% [LRA]; P=0.016). The dose of radiation and contrast volume were not different between the two approaches. No cases of major bleeding and vascular complications requiring surgical intervention were reported, other than with one patient who experienced a symptomatic stroke and died in the RRA group compared with none in the LRA group.

Conclusion

The LRA seems to be a feasible alternative for coronary angiography in Asian patients due to shorter procedural duration and fluoroscopy time, as well as less hydrophilic wire use in comparison to RRA.

Symptomatic radial artery thrombosis successfully treated with endovascular approach via femoral access route

Radial access has been increasingly utilized for coronary intervention due to higher safety profile in comparison to femoral access site with lower bleeding rate. Radial artery occlusion is not uncommon with radial access site. This usually does not lead to any harm due to ulnar artery collaterals that are sufficient to prevent hand ischemia and is usually left alone. However, in the case of significant hand ischemia, treatment is often necessary. We are reporting an interesting case of symptomatic radial artery thrombosis leading to arm ischemia that was successfully treated percutaneously using femoral access. Using femoral access for radial artery intervention has not been reported previously. This case is followed by review of the literature.

Percutaneous wire rescue during radial sheath insertion

Radial artery catheterization is a common procedure performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Transradial accesssing is becoming an increasingly widespread choice because of its lower complications compared with the transfemoral approach. Although complications related to this procedure are well established, troubles associated with the guide wire are rare. We present the first reported case of a percutaneous rescue of a wire during radial sheath insertion using the balloon entrapment technique to retrieve it without surgery.

Open surgical management of complications from indwelling radial artery catheters

BACKGROUND

Cannulation of the radial artery is frequently performed for invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Complications arising from indwelling catheters have been described in small case series; however, their surgical management is not well described. Understanding the presentation and management of such complications is imperative to offer optimal treatment, particularly because the radial artery is increasingly accessed for percutaneous coronary interventions.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review to identify patients who underwent surgical intervention for complications arising from indwelling radial artery catheters from 1997 to 2011.

RESULTS

We identified 30 patients who developed complications requiring surgical intervention. These complications were categorized into ischemic and nonischemic, with 15 patients identified in each cohort. All patients presenting with clinical hand or digital ischemia underwent thrombectomy and revascularization. Complications in the nonischemic group included three patients with deep abscesses with concomitant arterial thrombosis, two with deep abscesses alone, and 10 with pseudoaneurysms. Treatment strategy in this group varied with the presenting pathology. Among the entire case series, three patients required reintervention after the initial surgery, all in individuals initially presenting with ischemia who developed recurrent thrombosis of the radial artery. There were no digital or hand amputations in this series. However, the overall in-hospital mortality in these patients was 37%, reflecting the severity of illness in this patient cohort. Three patients who were positive for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia antibody had 100% mortality compared with those who were negative (P = .04, Fisher exact test). In-hospital mortality was higher in patients presenting with initial ischemia than in those with nonischemic complications (53% vs 20%; P = .06). Among 10 patients who presented with pseudoaneurysms, five (50%) were septic at presentation with positive blood cultures, and six (60%) had positive operating room cultures. Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the causative organism in all of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications of radial artery cannulation requiring surgical intervention can represent infectious and ischemic sequelae and have the potential to result in major morbidity, including digital or hand amputation and sepsis, or death. Although surgical treatment is successful and often required in these patients to treat severe hand ischemia, hemorrhage, or vascular infection, these complications tend to occur in critically ill hospitalized patients with an extremely high mortality. This must be taken into consideration when planning surgical intervention in this patient cohort. Finally, radial arterial cannulation sites should not be overlooked when searching for occult septic sources in critically ill patients.