Comparative analysis of vertebral artery stent implantation via femoral artery and radial artery

Objective To study the effect and safety of vertebral artery stent implantation via femoral artery and radial artery. Methods Twenty-four patients with vertebral artery stent implantation from December, 2017 to August, 2018 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were randomized into 2 groups, one was research group with 12 patients, the other was control group with 12 patients. The research group underwent vertebral artery stent implantation via radial artery, the control group underwent vertebral artery stent implantation via femoral artery. The follow-up results of the two groups were analyzed. Results The success rate of the first puncture in the research group was 100%, significantly higher than 83.33% of the control group, there was no statistical difference (χ2=2.528, P>0.05).The implantation time of sheath tube in the research group was (3.2±0.3) min, significantly longer than that in the control group (2.4±0.2) min, the difference was statistically significant (t=7.713, P<0.001). The time from sheath insertion to balloon dilation and bed rest time after operation in the research group were 17.3 (16.2-17.9) min, significantly less than the control group (27.1(26.1-28.3) min), the difference was statistically significant (Z=-4.157, P<0.001). The time of bed rest in the research group was 2.1 (2.0-2.2)h, significantly less than the control group (27.1(25.3- 28.9)h), the difference was statistically significant(Z=-4.167,P<0.001). No cerebrovascular events occurred during the follow-up period. One patient in the control group developed complications of vagal reflex, no patient in the research group developed complications. Conclusions Vertebral artery stent implantation via radial artery can significantly improve the success rate and safety of the operation. Radial artery approach is a better choice for vertebral artery stent implantation. Key words: Femoral artery; Radial artery; Stents; Comparative study