Transradial approach to embolization of a basilar aneurysm: a clinical case and literature review

The study objective is to present a clinical case of using transradial access for embolization of an aneurysm of the basilar artery (BA) bifurcation. 

Materials and methods. A patient, 67 years old, sought medical help at the I.I. Dzhanelidze Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Emergency Medicine complaining of headaches. Computed angiography of the brain had shown a large aneurysm of the BA with an absolutely wide neck. Embolization of the aneurysm using stent assistance (Y-stenting) was performed with access through the radial artery. The results were compared to data from scientific literature (about 16 cases).

Results. Aneurysm embolization level was II or IIIb per the modified Raymond–Roy classification was performed. No complications were observed, blood flow in the radial artery was preserved. The patient was released on day 2 after the surgery. No signs of blood flow through the aneurysm were observed during control selective cerebral angiography 12 months later. According to literature data, transradial access is preferable only with pathology of the vertebrobasilar system, especially if standard access is impossible to form due to atherosclerotic damage of the femoral artery, angling of the aortic arch, and pathological vessel tortuosity.

Conclusion. Routine use of transradial access in surgery of pathologies of the cerebral flow is not justifiable. But in some cases, this alternative access can be more effective and safer compared to the standard access. The main advantages of this access are reduced rate of complications of arterial access and possibility of early patient activization.

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