Researchers reviewed six existing studies to see if performing a prostate artery embolization (PAE) procedure through an artery in the wrist, called transradial access (TRA), is a safe and effective option. PAE is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate. The review included data from 1,208 adult patients who had undergone the procedure.
The analysis found that using the wrist artery was technically successful in completing the procedure 96.5% of the time. The rates of complications were low, with major complications occurring in only 0.3% of patients and minor complications in 4.4%. Key measures like how long the procedure took and how much radiation was used were similar whether doctors used the wrist or the more traditional groin (transfemoral) access point.
It is important to be cautious because all the studies included in this review were retrospective, meaning they looked back at past patient records rather than planning the comparison in advance. This type of evidence is considered moderate in strength. The review shows TRA is a feasible alternative, but it does not prove it is better than the groin approach. More prospective, head-to-head studies are required to determine if one method is superior for patient outcomes.