Effect of radial artery harvest on collateral forearm blood flow and digital perfusion

Abstract

Our study identified a mild reduction in digital perfusion and an increase in ulnar artery flow velocity and diameter with no clinical sequelae or compromise in hand function after radial artery harvest in properly selected patients.

Is the Allen test reliable enough?

“…During radial compression pressure of the thumb decreased to zero in 13.1% of the patients, which suggests radial dominance. Earlier on, this has been reported in 26-28% of patients [11].…”

Long-term digital blood flow after radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting

“…Brodman et al [23] reported that radial artery removal resulted in an 11% increase in diameter of the ulnar artery and a 20% increase in blood flow velocity (as measured by color flow and pulsed Doppler scanning, respectively). Similarly, Pola et al [2] reported increased blood-flow velocity in the ulnar artery within 10 days and again at 1 year after radial artery harvesting.…”

Radial artery as graft for coronary artery bypass surgery: Advantages and disadvantages for its usage focused on structural and biological characteristics

“…After RA harvesting, the UA dilation compensates for the loss of the RA [110]. According to a plethysmographic study [142], after RA harvesting, its diameter increased by 15.7% and its flow velocity increased by 17.4%. However, Doppler ultrasonographic studies, showed a reduction by 20% in the total forearm blood flow [143,144].…”