Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Patients Undergoing Radial Artery Recanalization via Distal Transradial Access

Background Recanalization of occluded radial arteries via distal radial artery (DRA) is being increasingly performed. However, few studies have focused on the long‐term follow‐up of patients undergoing this procedure. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, long‐term follow‐up of patients who had successfully undergone recanalization of an occluded radial artery was conducted over 6 months using a portable ultrasound and a hand function test kit. Results A total of 40 patients were included in the study. During the follow‐up period of 29.6 ± 15.4 months, 72.5% (29/40) of patients experienced radial artery reocclusion, of which 82.8% (24/29) had DRA occlusion (dRAO). The follow‐up ultrasound results indicated that the diameters of the proximal radial artery (PRA) and DRA in the patency group was significantly greater than those in the reocclusion group. In addition, the diameters of the PRA and DRA on the patent side were also significantly larger than those on the reocclusion side. There were no significant differences in the Quick DASH scale score or hand sensorimotor function between the reocclusion group and the patency group. Two‐point discrimination on the reocclusion side was worse than that on the patent side (11.30 ± 3.25 mm vs. 10.39 ± 3.27 mm, p = 0.035). Conclusion Although recanalization of an occluded radial artery via the DRA is technically safe and feasible, the long‐term reocclusion rate is high, and more importantly, this procedure can lead to dRAO.