Renal stenting from the radial artery: A novel approach

Purpose: To describe the technique and feasibility of renal artery angioplasty and stenting from the radial artery. Methods: A series of 19 patients were evaluated for transradial renal artery intervention. Procedures were performed using carbon dioxide gas (CO2) as the preferred angiographic contrast agent. Intervention was performed through a 5 Fr radial artery sheath using low-profile balloons and balloon-expandable stents. Results: Nineteen patients with 26 stenosed renal arteries were considered for treatment via the radial route. A negative Allen's test precluded radial puncture in two (11%). In one patient the descending aorta could not be catheterized. Stenting from the radial route was successful in 22 renal arteries in 16 patients. On an intention-to-treat basis 16 of the 19 (84%) were treatable from the radial route. In the 17 patients with radial access technical success was 94% (16 of 17) patients and 91% (21 of 23) of renal arteries. One patient experienced a cerebrovascular event during intervention. Conclusion: Transradial renal artery intervention is technically feasible using low-profile angioplasty balloons and stents. This route offers advantages in renal arteries with a caudal angulation and in patients with diseases or tortuous iliac arteries.