Assessment of local complications of radial artery harvesting in patients undergone CABG in Shariati hospital, 2000-2002

Background and Ât present ÇÂBG is the most common method of surgery. Ït is necessary to find a good conduit with a longterm patency. Therefore, radial artery harvesting was introduced by Dr. Çarpentier and because its patency is much better than saphenous vein. This study was done to show local complications of radial artery harvesting. Âmong 1700 patients underwent ÇÂBG in a period of two years in Shariati hospital, radial artery was harvested from dominant hand in 400 patients and from both hand in one patient. Modified allen test was done in all patients and radial artery harvesting was done in the patients showing negative test. Âfter harvesting, sensation of volar aspect of hand and radial aspect of arm was tested in different period of times. Ïn 1700 patients who underwent ÇÂBG, allen test was positive unilaterally in 8.9% and bilaterally in 10.1%. There was no infection in wound. There was a case of local necrosis of wound edges. The most common complication was neurosensory seen in 10 % of the patients. There was one case of bleeding from drain pipe and one case of hematoma. Çonclusion: Radial artery harvesting after modified allen test with 10 second cut off point is a safe procedure. Âs we know, there would be complications, because of near sensory nerves, the procedure must be done by expert surgeons.