Transradial Delivery of a Renal Snorkel During Complex Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Abstract

Transradial access has been described in a variety of clinical contexts but has been rarely utilized for visceral artery interventions and during complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) when upper extremity access is required. This is usually accomplished via brachial artery access, and although brachial access is generally safe and effective, radial access may offer some benefits with regard to patient comfort and potential complications. Here we report a case of successful delivery of a renal snorkel via a radial artery approach during EVAR. A 71-year-old man presented for endovascular repair of an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm. Anatomic limitations dictated the need for a left renal snorkel in order to augment the proximal seal zone. Via a right radial approach, a 6-Fr sheath and then a 6-mm iCast stent (Atrium Medical, Hudson, New Hampshire) were delivered into the left renal artery. Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair was then completed with a bifurcated Endurant stent graft (Medtronic, Fridley, Minnesota). The renal stent and aortic stent grafts were successfully deployed. Completion angiography demonstrated a patent left renal snorkel, with no evidence of endoleak. Hemostasis was achieved at the radial puncture site with no complications. This demonstrates the feasibility of radial artery access for the delivery of adjunctive stents during complex EVAR.