Diameters and Flow Characteristics of Forearm Arteries in the Preoperative Period Using Doppler Ultrasonography in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background: Transradial approach (TRA) is widely used all around the world in coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions. Ulnar artery (UA) access can be used as an alternative to TRA in coronary catheterization. Transulnar approach (TUA) is as effective and safe as TRA in coronary angiography and angioplasty. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of unilateral reciprocal compression of radial artery (RA) and ulnar artery (UA) on arterial diameter, flow velocity, and volume flow in healthy individuals. Patients and Methods: A total of 210 extremity arteries of 105 consecutive cases were evaluated using Doppler ultrasonography. At the wrist level, UA and RA were sequentially compressed for 60 seconds. The diameter, peak systolic velocity (PSV), and volume flow (VF) were evaluated during UA and RA compressions. Results: The mean baseline RA diameter was 2.04 ± 0.33 mm and the mean baseline UA diameter was 1.92 ± 0.38 mm, indicating a significantly greater RA diameter than the UA diameter (P = 0.005). Baseline diameters, PSV, and VF of the RA and UA significantly increased during reciprocal compression (P < 0.001). The increase in the diameter, PSV, and VF of UA in percent during reciprocal compression was higher, compared to the increase in the RA. Conclusion: The present study results showed significant increases in the diameters, PSV, and VF values of both RA and UA during reciprocal compression, compared to baseline values. The increases in the diameter, velocity and volume flow of the UA from baseline were more prominent compared to the RA. Our study results showed that an ultrasonographic measurement of diameter, PSV and VF would still be necessary in preoperative period.