Use of the radial artery in cardiac surgery

Abstract

The potential advantages of arterial conduits compared with venous graft in coronary operations resulted in their increased use, with the aim of achieving complete myocardial revascularization. The biological characteristics of the vascular wall account for the better patency observed in arterial conduits compared with the patency of the saphenous vein. We briefly present a historical note regarding the radial artery (RA): the surgical anatomy of the vessel, as well as the histology, indications, contraindications and results regarding the use of the radial artery. Antispasm prophylaxis and donor site complications of RA harvest and forearm function after RA harvest are presented.