A randomized comparison of transradial and transfemoral access in uterine artery embolization

PURPOSE We aimed to compare duration of uterine artery embolization, radiation exposure, safety and quality of life associated with the procedure in patients undergoing uterine artery embolization using transradial and transfemoral access. METHODS This randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2013 to March 2017 in three hospitals. Transradial access was used in 78 patients and transfemoral access in 75 patients. Clinical characteristics of the patients were comparable between the two groups. Patients were evaluated for the success and duration of the procedure, radiation exposure, major and minor complications. Quality of life associated with the procedure was assessed among patients with uterine fibroids. RESULTS Embolization procedures were successfully performed in all patients in both groups. The duration of uterine artery embolization (32.27 +/- 7.99 vs. 39.24 +/- 9.72 minutes, p < 0.001), uterine artery catheterization time (12.36 +/- 5.73 vs. 19.08 +/- 6.06 minutes, p < 0.001) and radiation exposure (0.28 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.21 mZv, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the transradial access group. The rate of major (0% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.37) and minor (11.53% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.42) complications was comparable between the two groups. Transradial access was associated with a statistically significant improvement in the quality of life associated with the procedure among patients with uterine fibroids. CONCLUSION Transradial access in uterine artery embolization has the same efficacy and safety compared to transfemoral access. This access reduces radiation exposure and duration of the procedure.