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Angiologic observations following radial artery flap elevation: a case report
G Ciria-Lloréns1, T Gómez-Cía, A Talegón-Meléndez
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Río Hortega University Hospital, Valladolid, Spain.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|January 23, 1999
Summary
The radial forearm flap can compromise the radial artery. However, the anterior interosseous artery compensates, maintaining hand blood flow and potentially increasing it in the donor arm.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- The radial forearm flap (RFF) is a common free flap used in reconstructive surgery.
- A significant criticism of the RFF is the sacrifice of the radial artery, potentially compromising hand vascularity.
Observation:
- A patient who underwent RFF surgery demonstrated significant hand vascularity from the anterior interosseous artery (AIA) two years postoperatively.
- Color Duplex Imaging revealed increased blood flow in the donor forearm's arteries compared to the contralateral side.
Findings:
- The AIA showed the most substantial increase in blood flow, suggesting it develops into a major vascular axis after radial artery sacrifice.
- Overall arterial inflow to the hand was not impaired, contrary to prior expectations.
Implications:
- This finding suggests that the anterior interosseous artery can adequately compensate for the loss of the radial artery after RFF.
- It may alleviate concerns regarding vascular morbidity associated with the radial forearm flap, encouraging its continued use in specific reconstructive scenarios.