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. 2022 Sep 30;10(9):e4537.
doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000004537. eCollection 2022 Sep.

Thinking Out of the Box: Use of the Radial Artery Distally to the Snuffbox as Recipient Vessel

Luigi Troisi  1   2 , Francesco Zanchetta  1 , Macarena Vizcay  1   2 , Sara Stucchi  2 , Antonio Baez  3 , Eugenio Pajardi  1   2
Affiliations

Thinking Out of the Box: Use of the Radial Artery Distally to the Snuffbox as Recipient Vessel

Luigi Troisi et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. .

Abstract

The use of the radial artery (RA) as a recipient vessel in the hand is mainly described in the snuffbox. However, we believe that employing the RA distally to the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon may provide remarkable advantages.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study from June 2019 until December 2021, which included all patients who underwent reconstructive procedures with the RA distally to the snuffbox as the recipient vessel. We reviewed patients' medical records: demographics, type of trauma, defect characteristics, microsurgical procedure, reoperations, and short- and long-term complications.

Results: We found 23 patients eligible for this study; 22 patients required a reconstructive procedure due to a trauma and one for a congenital malformation. RA distal to snuffbox was always identified and judged reliable and apt as a recipient vessel. There were no issues with the anastomosis and no total flap failure in all cases. The morbidity in the recipient area was also minimal, with no mobility deficits, loss of sensation, or neuroma development.

Conclusions: The RA is the primary vessel in the dorsum of the distal upper limb; performing the anastomosis distally to the EPL tendon may offer various advantages, making the surgery safer and less invasive.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Illustration of the incision.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Anastomosis in the snuffbox.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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