Abstract
Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of transradial arterial access (TRA) for hepatic
tumor embolizations and compare the outcomes between the TRA and transfemoral arterial
access (TFA).
Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of all consecutive hepatic tumor embolization procedures
done through TFA or TRA by a single operator from November 2017 to April 2019 was
performed. The procedural variables, including fluoroscopy time, radiation dose (reference
air kerma [RAK]), conversion and complication rates, and patient preferences were
recorded. The primary endpoint was technical success, which was defined as the successful
completion of the embolization procedure. Procedural variables including radiation
exposure and patient preferences, and complications were analyzed as secondary endpoints.
Results Out of 102 procedures in 90 patients, 44 were performed through TFA and the rest
by TRA. A technical success rate of 98.2% and a crossover rate of 1.7% were recorded
for TRA. There were no major vascular complications and similar rates of minor complications
(8.6% for TRA, 2.3% for TFA; P = 0.055), without any clinical sequelae. After the initial learning curve, no significant
differences for other procedural variables were noted between the two access sites.
Faster ambulation were achieved following TRA (P < 0.055). All 12 patients who underwent repeat TACE after initial TRA chose this
again over TFA.
Conclusions TRA is safe and effective for hepatic tumor embolization. Its safety and efficacy
profile is comparable to that of TFA, with added improved patient comfort and faster
ambulation.
Advances in Knowledge New catheter options and modifications of the existing techniques as explained in
this article proved radial arterial access as a safe and effective alternative in
hepatic arterial embolization.
Keywords chemoembolization - liver tumors - transarterial - transradial
