Renal Stenting from the Radial Artery: A Novel Approach

Purpose: To describe the technique andfeasibility of renal artery angioplasty and stenting from the radialartery. Methods: A series of 19 patients were evaluatedfor transradial renal artery intervention. Procedures were performedusing carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) as the preferredangiographic contrast agent. Intervention was performed through a 5 Frradial artery sheath using low-profile balloons and balloon-expandablestents. Results: Nineteen patients with 26 stenosedrenal arteries were considered for treatment via the radial route. Anegative Allens test precluded radial puncture in two (11%). In onepatient the descending aorta could not be catheterized. Stenting fromthe radial route was successful in 22 renal arteries in 16 patients. Onan intention-to-treat basis 16 of the 19 (84%) were treatable from theradial route. In the 17 patients with radial access technical successwas 94% (16 of 17) patients and 91% (21 of 23) of renal arteries. Onepatient experienced a cerebrovascular event during intervention. Conclusion: Transradial renal artery intervention istechnically feasible using low-profile angioplasty balloons and stents.This route offers advantages in renal arteries with a caudal angulationand in patients with diseases or tortuous iliac arteries.