Angiologic observations following autologous vein grafting and free radial artery flap elevation

Fifteen cases with radial forearm flap harvesting and autologous vein-graft reconstruction of the missing radial artery portion, are reported. Post-repair follow-up examinations, using segment plethysmography, photoplethysmography, and Doppler ultrasound, demonstrated an angiologic donor site morbidity, even when radial artery reconstruction was performed. Typically diminished blood pressure occurred, in comparison with the contralateral healthy extremity. Index shifting of pulse wave peaks, as well as widening of pulse wave bases occurred, especially in the thumb and index finger. These latter findings appear to be discrete indicators of arterial insufficiency.