Intraoperative pressure measurement in radial artery harvest. A tool with additional value?

Objectives: The radial artery is widely used as a graft in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Due to its location and function it should be screened prior to harvesting to avoid ischaemic complications of the hand. In acute situations the Allen test is often the only preoperative screening method available.

Forearm vessel atherosclerosis. A harbinger of carotid disease?

Objectives: Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease affecting several vessels of the body. Coronary artery patients requiring bypass surgery have increased prevalence of carotid artery atherosclerosis which is known to increase operative risk in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Radial artery is often screened for grafting purposes preoperatively.

Non-harvestable radial artery. A bilateral problem?

Since radial artery is preferably harvested from a non-dominant hand, our aim was to study whether there are contraindications for radial artery harvest in the dominant hand if the radial artery of the other hand is not suitable for harvesting. Thirty-three patients scheduled to coronary artery bypass grafting with contraindication for radial artery harvest in the non-dominant hand underwent Allen test, upper arm Doppler ultrasonography and digital pletysmography. In ultrasonography, both anatomical and circulatory measurements were performed.

Is the Allen test reliable enough?

Objective: The Allen test is a widely used screening method of hand circulation. Our aim was to study whether the Allen test alone gives sufficient information for harvesting the radial artery in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods: One hundred and forty-five patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting underwent the Allen test, upper arm Doppler ultrasonography and digital plethysmography.

Antireflux surgery enhances gastric emptying.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of antireflux surgery on gastric emptying.

Design: Nonrandomized controlled trial 3 months before and after surgical intervention.

Setting: Secondary and tertiary referral center.