The transradial approach for carotid artery stenting

When performed by experienced operators using distal embolic protection, carotid artery stenting has been shown to be a proven alternative to carotid endarterectomy in patients with significant carotid disease. The procedure is currently approved in the USA for patients who have an increased risk for surgery. The femoral artery is the conventional access site for carotid stent procedures. However, this approach may be difficult or impossible in certain patients with anatomical variations of the aortic arch or common carotid artery and in patients with significant peripheral vascular disease. Previous feasibility studies and case reports have demonstrated that transradial access may be an alternative strategy in these patients.