The use of an upper-limb-artery approach and long sheaths in splanchnic angiography and interventional procedures

Abstract

Background: The prolonged bed-rest required achieving hemostasis after splanchnic angiography and interventional procedures can be avoided if the upper limb arteries are used. In such procedures, the use of long sheaths capable of reaching the descending aorta may be advantageous. Purpose: To analyze the results of procedures that utilizes an upper-limb-artery approach and long sheaths. Material and Methods: Two hundred forty-two patients with a mean age of 64 years underwent splanchnic angiography and interventional procedures via an upper limb artery using a long sheath (85 cm, 4-French). Repeat examinations were performed on 48 patients and the total number of examinations was 296. The records of these 296 examinations were reviewed and the success rate and complications were evaluated. Results: Overall, 295 of 296 (99.7%) examinations were successful, and one (0.3%) failed. Complications and side effects occurred in six cases (2.0%), a painful sheath manipulation occurred in two examinations (0.7%), and arterial occlusion (including temporary occlusion), hematoma of the puncture site, and pseudoaneurysm occurred in two (0.7%), one (0.3%), and one (0.3%) patient, respectively. Conclusion: The use of a long sheath capable of reaching the descending aorta enables the performance of splanchnic angiography and interventional procedures via the upper limb arteries.