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Arterial reconstruction for radial artery occlusion
D S Ruch1, M Aldridge, M Holden
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|March 21, 2000
Summary
Surgical reconstruction using vein grafts successfully treated symptomatic radial artery vaso-occlusive disease. Patients experienced improved function, reduced cold sensitivity, and enhanced digital microvascular perfusion after the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Reconstructive Microsurgery
Background:
- Symptomatic radial artery vaso-occlusive disease can significantly impair hand function and quality of life.
- Nonoperative management often fails to resolve symptoms in severe cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the history and symptoms of radial artery vaso-occlusive disease.
- To evaluate the efficacy of radial artery reconstruction using reversed interpositional vein grafting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 13 patients with symptomatic radial artery vaso-occlusive disease.
- Arterial reconstruction performed using reversed interpositional vein grafting.
- Preoperative and postoperative assessment of symptoms, function, cold sensitivity, and digital microvascular perfusion (laser Doppler fluxmetry).
Main Results:
- All vascular grafts remained patent postoperatively, confirmed by Allen's testing and Doppler ultrasound.
- Significant improvement in patient-reported symptoms and functional status.
- Demonstrated significant enhancement in digital microvascular perfusion and resolution of ischemic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Reversed interpositional vein grafting is an effective treatment for symptomatic radial artery vaso-occlusive disease.
- This surgical approach restores patency, improves function, and resolves ischemic symptoms.
- Vein grafting offers a viable solution for patients unresponsive to nonoperative modalities.