Radial Artery Harvesting Research Articles

Chlorhexidine-alcohol compared with povidone-iodine-alcohol skin antisepsis protocols in major cardiac surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

Whether skin disinfection of the surgical site using chlorhexidine-alcohol is superior to povidone-iodine-alcohol in reducing reoperation and surgical site infection rates after major cardiac surgery remains unclear. CLEAN 2 was a multicenter, open-label, randomized, two-arm, assessor-blind, superiority trial conducted in eight French hospitals. We randomly assigned adult patients undergoing major heart or aortic surgery via sternotomy, with or without saphenous vein or radial artery harvesting, to have all surgical sites disinfected with either 2% chlorhexidine-alcohol or 5% povidone-iodine-alcohol. The primary outcome was any resternotomy by day 90 or any reoperation at the peripheral surgical site by day 30. Of 3242 patients (1621 in the chlorhexidine-alcohol group [median age, 69 years; 1276 (78.7%) men] and 1621 in the povidone-iodine-alcohol group [median age, 69 years; 1247 (76.9%) men], the percentage required reoperation within 90days was similar (7.7% [125/1621] in the chlorhexidine-alcohol group vs 7.5% [121/1621] in the povidone-iodine-alcohol group; risk difference, 0.25 [95% confidence interval (CI), -1.58-2.07], P = 0.79). The incidence of surgical site infections at the sternum or peripheral sites was similar (4% [65/1621] in the chlorhexidine-alcohol group vs 3.3% [53/1621] in the povidone-iodine-alcohol group; risk difference, 0.74 [95% CI -0.55-2.03], P = 0.26). Length of hospital stay, intensive care unit or hospital readmission, mortality and surgical site adverse events were similar between the two groups. Among patients requiring sternotomy for major heart or aortic surgery, skin disinfection at the surgical site using chlorhexidine-alcohol was not superior to povidone-iodine-alcohol for reducing reoperation and surgical site infection rates.

Quality improvement initiative to increase radial artery usage as a second arterial conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Use of radial artery as a second arterial graft, compared to a saphenous vein, in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can improve late outcomes. However, the radial artery remains underutilized. We initiated a quality improvement (QI) initiative to increase the usage of radial artery grafts. During our 4-month lead period, we disseminated evidence for radial artery graft usage to surgeons, developed a radial artery decision-making algorithm and adopted endoscopic harvesting. Our QI initiative was conducted over a 6-month period and included a postoperative survey of decision-making for graft selection and obstacles to radial artery usage. Over the 6-month study period, 247 patients received isolated CABG which included 98 (40%) with radial arteries as a second arterial graft and 144 (58%) with greater saphenous veins. Radial artery usage increased with QI initiative implementation by 67% compared to 6 months prior to the study period (60 radial arteries/252 isolated CABG, 24%) (P = 0.006). The survey response rate was 93% (231/247). Barriers to radial artery graft usage were poor quality target vessel or stenosis <80% (24%), patient age >75 years (20%), ejection fraction ≤35% (8%) and renal insufficiency/dialysis (7%). No patients experienced significant complications from radial artery harvest. Our institutional QI initiative was successful in (i) increasing the usage of radial artery as a second arterial graft and (ii) understanding barriers to radial artery graft usage. Implementation of a QI program can improve radial artery usage in CABG with low risk of patient morbidity from radial artery harvest.

Persistent median artery and communicating branch related to the superficial palmar arch

Microvascular surgery, plastic and reconstructive hand surgery, and coronary artery bypass surgery call for a microanatomical study of the branching pattern of the superficial palmar arch (SPA). For the anatomical analysis, we used a group of 20 dissected human hands injected with 4% formaldehyde solution and a 10% mixture of melted gelatin and India ink. The morphometric study was performed on 40 human hands of adult persons injected with methyl-methacrylate fluid into the ulnar and radial arteries simultaneously and afterwards corroded in 40% KOH solution for the preparation of corrosion cast specimens. The mean diameter of the SPA, between the second and third common palmar digital arteries, was 1.86 ± 0.08 mm. We identified the persistent median artery (PMA) in 5% of hands. We distinguished the three main groups of the SPAs according to variations in morphology and branching of the arch: Type 1, the long SPA; Type 2, the middle length SPA; and Type 3, the short SPA found in 27.5% of specimens. The communicating branch (CB), a vessel interconnecting the SPA to the closest branch of the radial artery, is classified into two different morphological groups. The third type of incomplete short arterial arch is the most important of the three groups of SPAs. That short SPA is potentially inadequate for restoring circulation after occlusion or radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass.

Abstract 14977: Radial Artery Usage Rate Differs in Hospital Types in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: An Insight Into National Inpatient Sample

Introduction: In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) may not be utilized, and a secondary conduit is chosen to treat coronary artery disease. Radial artery (RA) and greater saphenous vein (GSV) are both viable secondary conduits to, although RA grafting is associated with higher patency and superior long-term survival. This study aimed to compare the rate of RA graft usage in CABG among different hospital types. Methods: Patients received CABG between Q4 2015-2020 were extracted from National Inpatient Sample (NIS) based on ICD10-PCS. Patients less than the age of 40 were excluded for congenital heart defects. Preoperative variables included sex, age, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), Elixhauser comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. The rate of RA versus GSV usage were compared with respect to hospital location/teaching status and bed sizes, while all preoperative variables besides the variable of interest were adjusted by multivariable analysis. Results: There were 56,318 CABG cases identified with 11,708 RA and 44,610 GSV grafting. RA grafting usage was lower in rural hospitals (aOR 0.59, p&lt;0.01), urban private practice (aOR 0.69, p&lt;0.01), and hospitals with large bed sizes (aOR 0.91, p&lt;0.01) while the rate is higher in urban teaching hospitals (aOR 1.50, p&lt;0.01) and hospitals with medium bed sizes (aOR 1.14, p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: This study reveals different RA graft usage for CABG among different hospital types. RA harvest can be more time consuming and resource intensive than GSV harvest. Increased familiarity overcoming these obstacles might increase RA graft usage.

Radial Artery Harvesting With Skin Bridge Technique Among Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: An Approach For Developing Countries.

The risk of wound dehiscence and sternal infections remains high after coronary artery bypass grafting, especially in patients with diabetes. Radial artery is a potential alternative which has shown good post-operative outcomes with least complications. Open and endoscopic techniques for harvesting have been used till now. We propose an interrupted or bridging technique, for harvesting the radial artery. This report describes 25 patients undergoing CABG, using radial artery graft, harvested via skin bridge technique, at South City Hospital, Karachi. It has a better cosmetic outcome, reduced postoperative pain, shortened hospital stay and increased level of satisfaction. The interrupted technique offers less invasive cost-effective approach compared to open and endoscopic techniques for radial artery harvesting.

A Retrospective Study of the No-Contact Technique to Obtain Radial Arteries for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background: To retrospectively study the experience with application of no-touch technique in radial artery (RA)-based coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Clinical data of patients who underwent RA-based multi- (n = 45) or full-arterial CABG (n = 27) between January 2019 and June 2022 in the Affiliated Hospital of ZunYi Medical University were collected. The incidence of main cardiovascular events at 30-day follow-up, the antebrachial union condition and the vessel patency rate were analyzed. Results: A total of 66 RAs were harvested and 70 RAs used as grafts. The number of RA used per patient was 1.46. Delayed antebrachial union occurred in 1 patient (1.45%). There was no death, cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction or revascularization at follow-up. Early coronary computed tomography (CT) after surgery revealed occlusion in 1 RA, with the patency rate being 98.57%. Conclusions: The No-touch RA harvesting technique, preservation and postoperative management applied in this study are effective and rational, and the application of RA as the graft in CABG is safe.

Radial artery harvesting with harmonic scalpel: fully no-touch technique

The radial artery has been used for decades as an alternative to other arterial bypass graft conduits. Positive long-term patency results and survival benefits have led to an increase in its popularity. The emerging evidence of the need for total arterial myocardial revascularization unleashes the potential of the radial artery as a versatile arterial conduit capable of reaching all coronary targets in a lot of different configurations. In addition, a radial artery graft has proven benefits in terms of graft patency compared with a saphenous venous graft. In this context, multiple randomized clinical trials have repeatedly proven the improved clinical outcomes of radial artery grafts based on 10 years of follow-up; the radial artery graft has also been shown to be a suitable arterial conduit in up to 90% of coronary artery bypass grafting cases. Despite the scientific evidence regarding the benefits of the radial artery graft, most surgeons are still reluctant to use the radial artery in coronary artery bypass graft procedures. Consequently, surgical residents risk not developing solid surgical skills for utilization of the radial artery graft. Safe, easy-to-learn techniques are needed to speed up the learning curve and at the same time lower the complications. In this context, a fully no-touch technique for harvesting the radial artery using a harmonic scalpel can be the right way to introduce young surgeons to this basic but paramount skill.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF ALLENS TEST FOR ULNAR COLLATERAL FLOW IN RADIAL ARTERY HARVESTING IN CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRATING

To treat coronary artery disease, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is done worldwide (CAD). Before harvesting the radial artery for cardiac bypass surgery, Allen's test is frequently used to evaluate the hand's ulnar collateral blood supply. Using Doppler Ultrasonography as a gold standard, this study was created to evaluate the diagnostic precision of Allen's test for the ulnar collateral flow of the donor limb before radial arteryharvesting. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2015 to September 2017 at the Jinnah Hospital in Lahore's Cardiac Surgery department. The consecutive sampling/non-probability method was employed. A signed consent form was obtained, and specific demographic data (name, age, and gender) was gathered. SPSS version 21 was used to enter and analyze all of the data. The patients in our study had a mean age of 50.91±9.13 years. The ratio of men to women was 1.3:1. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy of Allen’s test was 77.05%, 81.36%, 81.03%, 77.42% &amp; 79.17% taking Doppler test as gold standard. Allen's test, which uses Doppler ultrasonography as the gold standard, is a reliable and valid screening test for the ulnar collateral flow of the donor limb before radial artery harvesting, according to the findings of our study.

Detailed statistical analysis plan for the neurological complications in endoscopic versus open radial artery harvest (NEO) randomised clinical trial.

Coronary artery bypass grafting can be conducted using the radial artery as a bypass graft. However, it remains unclear which harvesting method is superior, i.e. endoscopic or open radial artery, and which site for proximal anastomosis of the radial artery has the greatest benefits? The NEO Trial is a single site randomised clinical trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design. The first comparison assesses endoscopic versus open radial artery harvest with a primary outcome of hand function and secondary outcomes of neurological deficits through clinical exams and neurophysiological studies. The primary outcome is postoperatively hand function at three months. We anticipate a mean difference of 3 points with a standard deviation of 8 points, a power of 90%, and a type I error of 5%, resulting in a required sample size of 300 participants randomised 1:1. Secondary outcomes are neurological deficits (based on nerve conduction measurements, algometry test and von Frey hair test), clinical neurological examination of cutaneous sensibility, and registration of complications in the donor arm (haematoma formation, wound dehiscence, and/or infection). The second comparison assesses two different proximal anastomotic sites, i.e. aorto-radial anastomosis versus mammario-radial anastomosis. The primary outcome is a composite of cerebrovascular events and the secondary outcome is graft patency evaluation by multi-slice computer tomography-scan. These outcomes will be assessed at 1year postoperatively, and the results of this comparison will be exploratory only. Both comparisons will be analysed using intention-to-treat and intervention groups will be compared using linear regression, logistic regression, or Mann-Whitney U test depending on data type. Two independent statisticians will follow the present plan and conduct the analyses which will hereafter be fused into a final analysis based on consensus. This detailed analysis plan will increase the validity of the NEO trial results by predefining the statistical analysis in detail. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01848886 . Registered 25 February 2013. Danish Ethics committee number: H-3-2012-116. Danish Data Protection Agency: 2007-58-0015/jr. n:30-0838.

84. The Superficial Ulnar Artery variant – A hazard during radial forearm free flap harvest

First described in the early 1980s, the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has become a popular choice among surgeons reconstructing the head and neck owing to its versatility, suitability for two-team operating, and reliable vascular anatomy. Following radial artery harvest, perfusion of the hand relies predominantly on the ulnar artery. We present a case of atypical anatomy of the ulnar artery while raising the RFFF and explore its relevance to reconstructive surgery.

A modified approach for totally endoscopic, touchless radial artery harvesting.

Since the inception of endoscopic vessel harvesting, theprocedure has been criticized for having excessive contact with the conduit, thus potentially causing endothelial damage and decreasing patency rates.1,2 Despite the criticism, the very same method has been adopted to harvesting the radial artery. We attempted to create a touchless technique by eliminating several points of contact to the vessel and making the procedure as atraumatic and as standardized as possible.

Use of Radial Artery Grafts for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the primary surgical treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, long-term clinical practice has confirmed the poor long-term patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVG), prompting surgeons to investigate alternatives, such as the use of radial artery (RA) grafts. In this report, we review and discuss the current status of radial artery application during CABG and current controversies in the field. Ultimately, evidence indicates that RA-CABG is associated with good long-term patency and is suitable for patients with severe stenosis. However, the compensatory capacity of the ulnar artery should be assessed prior to RA harvesting. Given that the RA is prone to spasms, routine application of calcium channel blockers is recommended. Several studies also have indicated that sequential grafting is an effective method for maximizing radial artery application and that patency rates are similar for the radial artery and right internal mammary artery. In contrast, the use of the bilateral internal mammary arteries is technically more demanding and exhibits a significant volume-outcome relationship. The decision to use the right internal mammary artery or radial artery should be based on individual patient characteristics and the experience of the surgical team.

Utility of a smartphone application in assessing palmar circulation prior to radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting: rationale and design of the randomised CAPITAL iRADIAL-CABG trial

IntroductionThere is emerging evidence supporting the use of the radial artery (RA) as a preferred secondary conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as it is associated with higher rates...

Variations in the Pattern of the Deep Palmar Arch of the Hand and Its Surgical Importance.

BackgroundThe deep palmar arch is formed by anastomosis of the continuation of the radial artery with the deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery. With recent advances in microsurgical techniques for vascular repair, the knowledge of variations in the arteries of the hand, as well as the caliber of these arteries, has become more important for surgeons. Additionally, radial artery harvesting for myocardial revascularization is being performed nowadays, for which collateral circulation in the hand through the palmar arches is a prerequisite. Therefore, this study was conducted to study the patterns of the deep palmar arch and perform the morphometry of the arch.MethodologyIn this study, 30 hands (16 right and 14 left) from formalin-fixed adult human cadavers were dissected to observe the completeness, formation, and branching pattern of the deep palmar arch. The length of the arch was measured using a thread and scale. The diameters of the forming arteries and branches of the arch were measured at their origin using a digital vernier caliper.ResultsAll deep palmar arches were complete. The arches were classified into two types based on whether the superior or inferior deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery completed the arch. Another classification was based on the interosseous space through which the radial artery or its branch entered the palmar region to complete the deep palmar arch. The length of the arch was 4.2 ± 0.47 cm on the right side and 4.0 ± 0.6 cm on the left side. The diameters of the deep palmar branch of the radial and ulnar arteries at their origin were 4.02 ± 0.48 mm and 1.90 ± 0.36 mm, respectively. No significant difference was found between the right and left sides.ConclusionsThe anastomosis was found between radial and ulnar arteries in all cases of the deep palmar arch. Therefore, it can be safe to sacrifice the radial artery in procedures such as radial artery harvesting and radial artery flap transfer. The knowledge of variations and morphometry of the arch will facilitate vascular repair surgeries on hands.

The RAGE Trial (Radial Arterial Graft in the Elderly)- A Pilot Study

Use of radial artery (RA) as a second arterial conduit in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is well established and appreciated for its higher long-term patency rate compared to vein grafts. This study tends to investigate if there are any detrimental consequences when it is used in elderly (aged 60 and above) population of Bangladesh. A total of 71 patients who received RA grafts at elective, isolated CABG operation were consecutively enrolled in this study from May 2018 to September 2019. 31 patients were in the Elderly group and 40 patients were in the Non-elderly group. The groups were compared for baseline characteristics and co-morbidities; preoperative techniques, findings, events and procedures; and postoperative outcomes or end-point variables inclusive of local complications related to RA harvesting wound. Elderly and Non-elderly groups had statistically different age (p=0.000) and Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) Score predicted mortality (p=0.000). Operative techniques, events, findings and procedures were similar. Clinical outcomes were found to be similar with no statistical difference between the groups. Number of deaths also was not statistically different. There were no local complications related to RA harvesting wound in either of the two groups. Harvesting and grafting of radial artery in suitable patients, using meticulous "no-touch" technique and for ideal target coronary artery stenosis is as safe in the elderly patients as in the younger ones.&#x0D; CBMJ 2020 July: Vol. 09 No. 02 P: 08-13

415 Clinical outcomes and Patient satisfaction with Bilateral Radial Artery harvest in coronary surgery

Abstract Aim Coronary artery bypass graft surgery remains an effective treatment strategy for complex coronary disease.There paucity of data regarding the use of bilateral radial artery conduits with wound, neurological and functional complications following surgical revascularisation. Method We reviewed the outcomes with retrospective analysis of prospectively collected clinical data from our database and identified 30 patients who underwent CABG requiring the use of bilateral radial harvest.Patient satisfaction was assessed using a quality of life questionnaire with the descriptors on a Likert Scale. Results The mean duration of follow-up was 29.8 ± 8.5 months.The mean age of patients was 69.0 ± 10.8 years.The commonest indications for bilateral radial harvest were existing bilateral varicose veins or previous bilateral vein surgery (combined 74% of cases) precluding venous conduit use. Three out of 24 (12.5%) patients reported arm pain or discomfort ‘rarely’ or ‘sometimes’ whilst all the others (87.5%) were asymptomatic.Three patients (12.5%) reported long term permanent sensory deficit with a further six (25%) patients having some other less significant sensory loss. Significant motor dysfunction was reported in one patient (4.2%) whilst 5 (20.8%) reported milder forms of motor deficit. 95.8% of patients considered the aesthetic outcome of the radial harvest site appearance to be at least acceptable (54.1% rated the appearance as excellent). One patient (4.2%) reported a ‘moderate’ functional change otherwise, the remaining patients reported ‘minimal’(12.5%) or ‘no change’ (83%). Conclusions Open bilateral radial artery is acceptable to patients as a conduit choice when alternatives are not favourable for surgical revascularisation.

Patterns of Arterial Arcades of the Superficial Palmar Arch: A Study In Embalmed Cadaver Palms

Background: The complex and variable pattern of the arterial arcades of the palm form an interesting area of study anatomically and surgically. In the present study arches were classified into complete and incomplete types, the complete type being the most prominent in 88.6% of the palms. Among the complete type, arch formed by ulnar artery alone supplying the thumb and index finger was found in majority of the specimens (50%). The classical or standard superficial palmar arch formed by the superficial palmar branch of radial and ulnar arteries was found in only 28.5%. Different patterns of the arterial arcades of the superficial palmar arch are normally encountered during routine anatomical dissections of the palm which needs to be emphasized and highlighted for a desired surgical out come during microvascular reconstructive surgeries of the palm and during radial artery cannulation. Context: With technological advancements in microsurgical procedures of the hand, fields of anatomical interest like the classification of arterial arcades of the palm, now becomes essential for operating vascular surgeons for a desired surgical outcome Purpose of the study: The present study was taken up to analyze and document varying patterns of the arterial arcades of the superficial palmar arch. Methods and Material: the study was conducted by dissecting 70 randomly obtained formalin fixed cadaver palms. Results: In the present study arches were classified into complete and incomplete types, the complete type being the most prominent in 88.6% of the palms. Among the complete type, arch formed by ulnar artery alone supplying the thumb and index finger was found in majority of the specimens (50%). The classical or standard superficial palmar arch formed by the superficial palmar branch of radial and ulnar arteries was found in only 28.5%. Out of the 70 hands, incomplete arches were found only in 8 hands with an incidence of 11.4%. Conclusion: Knowledge of arterial pattern of the hand is very important to vascular and reconstructive surgeons for effective treatment of injuries of the hand. Such a knowledge of the disposition of the arterial arcades of the palm also enables cardio-vascular surgeons to plan and modify surgical procedures such as radial artery harvesting, cannulation and in preventing the ischemia of hands in such procedures. KEY WORDS: Superficial palmar arch, Arterial arcades, Complete arch, Incomplete arch.

Comparison of electrocautery and LigaSure™ vessel sealing system in radial artery harvesting as coronary artery bypass surgery conduit: A prospective, randomized study

Cardiovascular Surgery and Interventions publishes original articles on topics in cardiovascular surgery, cardiovascular anesthesia and cardiology. These encompass all relevant clinical, surgical and laboratory studies, editorials, current and collective reviews, technical know-how papers, case reports, interesting images, “How to Do It” papers, correspondence and commentary.

Endoscopic Versus Open Radial Artery Harvesting Used in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Our Experience at Queen Alia Heart Institute

Coronary artery stenosis bypass by using radial artery is good techniques which have longer outcomes. In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) the radial artery has several advantages. The radial artery has a thick muscular wall which is more susceptible to contraction from the competitive flow. As compared to the open harvesting technique endoscopic harvest of the radial artery has long lasting cosmetic results it also reduces the post-operative complications. The purpose of the study is to compare the two harvesting techniques and compare the short term and long term results related to intra-operative and post-operative outcomes Methods: This is retrospective study (In Queen Alia Heart Institute, Amman ,Jordan) to compare endoscopic radial artery technique versus open technique by reviewing patients files through a period between June 2013 and June 2018. Total 50 patients of CABG surgery was selected they were divided into two groups. Group A includes endoscopic radial harvest (n= 10) and Group B includes open harvest (n=40). Data was collected on predesigned Performa. Data were entered and analyze through IBM SPSS 22.0 Results: There was insignificant dissimilarity between the pre-operative outcomes between groups. The Post-operative outcomes were almost same in both groups except hand numbness (P-value&lt;0.005). The comparison of intraoperative outcomes like harvest time between both groups indicate that the mean harvest time in group A was shorter than group B (39.20 + 3.73 Vs 51.90 + 2.09, P-value=0.000). The operative time in group A was higher than the group B (306.0 + 11.6 Vs 278 + 4.25 p-value=0.00). The hospital stays in both groups were insignificantly different (p = 0.09) Conclusions: Endoscopic radial artery harvest is best suited technique for CABG surgery as it significantly decreases the harvest time as well as hospital stay. It is also proven that it is safer, less painful and better wound appearance technique with exceptional outcomes based on positive surgical experience.

Remodeling of ipsilateral ulnar artery after radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass graft.

There are controversies in the literature on the blood supply to the forearm after surgical removal of the radial artery in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The objective was to investigate the arterial remodeling of the ulnar artery after the removal of the radial artery in myocardial revascularization by means of ultrasound examination with color Doppler in the pre- and post-operative periods. This paper describes an observational prospective study of the remodeling of the left brachial and ulnar arteries (donor arm) in 103 right-handed non-consecutive adult patients undergoing CABG with removal of the ipsilateral radial artery using the color Doppler ultrasound examination. In the ulnar artery, a significant increase (P < 0.05) was seen in the following measurements: lumen diameter by 13%, lumen area by 26%, peak systolic flow by 40%, and average flow by 46%. Intima-media thickness measured in the ulnar artery did not show a statistically significant difference (P= 0.22), except in diabetic patients (P = 0.007). We conclude that the ulnar artery undergoes positive physiological remodeling, adapting to the new requirements of chronic increase in flow after the ipsilateral removal of the radial artery to serve as a graft in CABG. There was no evidence of increased intima-media thickness, except in diabetic patients.