Study of contributing arteries to superficial palmar arch formation

The superficial palmar arch (SPA) is formed predominantly by the ulnar artery with a contribution from the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery.: To study contributing arteries in superficial palmar arch formation and variations in its formation.: Study comprised of 30 upper limbs from 15 cadavers. Palmar arches in them were dissected following classical incisions and dissection procedures of Cunninghams’ manual.: SPA was formed by superficial branch of ulnar artery only in 13.33% specimens, by superficial branch of both ulnar and radial artery in 70% specimens, by superficial branch of ulnar and persistent median artery in 13.33% specimens and was formed by superficial branches of ulnar and radial arteries with persistent median artery in 3.33% specimens. SPA was complete in 80% and was incomplete in 20% specimens.: The arch formation is highly variable. Knowledge of contribution to the SPA will be helpful to the reconstructive hand surgical procedures such as arterial repairs, vascular graft applications and re-implantations.

Initial experience of subcutaneous nitroglycerin for distal transradial access in neurointerventions

Background: Transradial access (TRA) for diagnostic and interventional neuroendovascular procedures has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its improved safety profile and appeal to patients compared with transfemoral access. However, risks of TRA include hand ischemia in cases of poor ulnar collateral circulation and inability to cannulate the radial artery due to its relatively small diameter. By accessing the radial artery distal to the superficial palmar arch where ulnar collateral blood flow arises, in the anatomic snuffbox, the risk of hand ischemia is theoretically eliminated. The use of subcutaneous nitroglycerin and lidocaine to improve rates of success in radial artery access has been reported in the cardiac literature, however, has yet to be described for neurointerventional procedures. We discuss our technique and report our initial experience using subcutaneous nitroglycerin and lidocaine cocktail for access to the distal transradial artery in a variety of neuroendovascular procedures. Methods: A retrospective review of our institution’s database of neurointerventional and diagnostic procedures performed using dTRA was conducted, and 64 patients were identified between February and December 2020. Patient demographics, clinical data, procedural details, and radiographic information were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 64 patients underwent neurointerventional procedures using the subcutaneous injection for dTRA access. The procedures performed included diagnostic cerebral angiograms (n = 47), stent and balloon assisted aneurysm coiling (n = 5), flow diversion (n = 2), intra-saccular device placement (n = 1), mechanical thrombectomy (n = 1), tumor embolization (n = 1), middle meningeal artery embolization (n = 2), extracranial carotid stent placement (n = 2), and arteriovenous malformation embolization (n = 3). While no complications of hand ischemia were appreciated, the access site conversion rate was 3.1%; 2 cases required a switch to femoral artery access due to proximal vessel tortuosity and aortic anatomical variations, and not due to access site complication. Furthermore, on repeat angiograms by the same proceduralist, distal TRA (dTRA) was successful in 100% of the cases. Conclusion: dTRA using subcutaneous nitroglycerin and lidocaine is a safe and effective method for neurointerventional and diagnostic procedures.

Distal versus conventional transradial access for coronary angiography and intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Distal transradial artery access (DTRA) has recently gained attention due to potential benefits in terms of local complications and risk of superficial palmar arch ischemia in case of radial artery occlusion. Purpose In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the utility of DTRA compared to conventional transradial artery access (CTRA) for coronary angiography and intervention. Method We performed a comprehensive literature search using multiple databases from inception through February 2021 for all the studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of DTRA for coronary angiography and intervention. The primary outcome of interest was access success rate. The secondary outcomes were periprocedural local complications (site hematoma, radial artery occlusion or spasm) and procedural characteristics (cannulation, fluoroscopy, and radial artery compression times). All meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model. Results A total of 8 studies including 1630 patients (805 underwent DTRA vs. 825 with CTRA), were included in the final analysis. Three of the included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and the remainder were observational studies. The access success rate was similar in the two groups (odds ratio (OR): 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–2.09; P=0.43; I2=72%). Similarly, no difference was observed in the overall periprocedural local complications rate (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.38–1.04, P=0.07, I2=25%). On subgroup analysis, the rate of radial artery occlusion was significantly lower in DRTA group (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13–0.82, P=0.02, I2=0%). Regarding the procedural characteristics, the two approaches were different only in the cannulation time favoring the CTRA group (mean difference in minutes [MD] 0.96, 95% CI 0.16–1.76; P=0.02). Conclusions The DTRA represents an alternative site for radial artery access for coronary angiography and interventions, with a high success rate accompanied by a low risk of complications. Although the cannulation time was longer for the DTRA, this can potentially improve with training, practice, and utilization of ultrasound-guided punctures. The major advantage provided by the DTRA is the trend toward a lower risk of radial artery occlusion, which is frequently observed with the conventional approach. Further adequately powered RCTs are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Central illustration

Transradial Access for Non-Coronary Intervention: Initial Experience of Ramathibodi Hospital

Objective: To describe initial experience of transradial access (TRA) for non-coronary intervention performed at body interventional radiology unit. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed and included 31 cases from 27 patients that underwent TRA in the present study’s unit between May 2018 and January 2019. All cases were pre-operatively evaluated for radial artery size by ultrasound (US) and verified palmar arch patency using Barbeau test. To proceed to TRA, the radial artery diameter must be at least 1.8 mm and the Barbeau test must not be classified in type D. The primary endpoint was success rate. Secondary endpoints were patency of radial artery and other access site complication after TRA. Results: The technical success rate was 100% without crossover to transfemoral access (TFA). Asymptomatic radial artery occlusion (RAO) was observed in four cases (12.9%) using US at 24-hour after the procedure. According to statistical analysis, none of the present studied parameters showed statistically significant association with the RAO. The other access site complication detected was pseudoaneurysm, which was found in two cases. Conclusion: TRA is a promising alternative access for non-coronary intervention. Vascular access site complications are rarely clinically significant but nevertheless still a concern. Keywords: Transradial access; Non-coronary intervention; Complication; Radial artery; Patency

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.

Peripheral embolism as first and only clinical symptom of a true aneurysmal degeneration of the radial artery after ligation of a radiocephalic fistula

True aneurysmal degeneration of the inflow artery after arteriovenous fistula ligation is extremely rare. Pain is the most common symptom and surgical treatment by an autologous venous bypass is considered as the treatment of choice with good long-term results. We present a patient with peripheral embolism as first and only symptom leading to the diagnosis of a true aneurysmal degeneration of the entire left radial artery. It was discovered 5 years after the ligation of his radiocephalic fistula. As illustrated by this case, a conservative treatment by antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy should be considered a satisfying alternative to the standard bypass surgery in patients with anatomical variations (e.g. an incomplete arterial palmar arch) since the latter include a higher risk of postoperative ischemic complications.

A study of variations in formation of superficial palmar arch in Nepalese cadavers

Introduction: The superficial palmar arch (SPA) is the main source of arterial supply to the palm. It is an arterial arcade formed mainly by the ulnar artery and is completed by the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. The study was conducted with objective to study the variations in formation of superficial palmar arch in Nepalese cadaveric hands. Methodology: Two horizontal incisions were made, one at the wrist joint and another incision along the root of fingers. A vertical incision was made from the middle of the wrist to the 3rd metacarpo-phalangeal joint. The skin of the palm and the palmar aponeurosis was reflected. The surrounding adipose tissue was removed to view the superficial palmar arch and its branches. Result: In present study, out of 50 specimens of hands, 64% of superficial palmar arch was formed as normal pattern and in 36% cases it was formed by ulnar artery alone. Normal SPA pattern was seen 63% in male and 66.7% in female i.e. higher percentage in female than in male but it was statistically insignificant (P<0.05). SPA-ulnar artery alone pattern was seen 37% in male and 33.3% in female i.e. higher percentage in male than in female, however it was also statistically insignificant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Normal pattern of SPA observed in Sixty-four percent of Nepalese hands and in thirty-six percent cases it was formed by ulnar artery alone. There was no statistically significant difference in SPA pattern distribution between Nepalese male and female.

Traumatic injury of radial and ulnar artery with perfusion of the hand through the median artery: a case report

Case description: A young male patient with a complete section of the ulnar and radial arteries preserved the perfusion of the hand through an anatomical variant, the median artery, identified by angiotomography. Clinical Findings: A wound in the distal third of the left forearm with present pulses and adequate hand coloration. An angiotomography of the upper left limb showed a median artery originating as a continuation of the anterior interosseous artery and ending in the palm of the hand with an incomplete superficial palmar arch. Treatment and Outcomes: Ligation of both radial and ulnar arteries was performed. It was not possible to follow up with the patient. Clinical Relevance: Forming the superficial and deep palmar arches, the irrigation of the hand comes from the ulnar and radial arteries, which can compromise the viability of the limb when injured. The median artery is present in 0.6-21.1% of the population, originates from the anterior interosseous artery (branch of the ulnar), accompanies the median nerve in its path and ends in the palm joining the superficial palmar arch. Diagnostic imaging is a key tool for assessing arterial circulation and characterizing upper limb vascular lesions. Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the arterial supply of the hand, including variability of the superficial palmar arch, is crucial for the safety and success of hand surgeries.