Measurement of ulnar flow is helpful in predicting XXXX after radial artery harvest.

@entity1 @entity63
BACKGROUND: Despite a negative Allen test, some @entity1 develop hand @entity63 after radial artery harvesting. The presence of large interosseous collaterals may reduce the sensitivity of Allen test. To evaluate the combination of ulnar flow measurements and the Allen test as an effective screening technique, we performed Doppler ultrasonography during Allen's maneuver. METHODS: The Allen test was used to select candidates for harvesting radial artery from 80 @entity1 undergoing coronary bypass surgery. RESULTS: Of 71 @entity1 with a negative Allen test, one @entity1 developed hand @entity63 . This @entity1 was one of six (7.5 %) possessing low ulnar flow levels (less than 40 ml/min/m(2) during compression of the radial artery). This low-flow group had a higher risk for @entity63 of the 71 @entity1 with a negative Allen test. The post-operative flow differed greatly from the pre-operative flow in eight @entity1 (11.3 %), which was likely due to large sacrificed interosseous collaterals. CONCLUSION: Combined use of ulnar flow measurement with the Allen test appears to increase the sensitivity of the Allen test. Neither test, however, is sufficient for a group of @entity1 with large interosseous collaterals.
