Study of ulnar artery cutaneous perforators with color Doppler flow imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo study the distribution,location and hemodynamics of perforating branches of the ulnar artery with color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI).MethodsPerforating branches of ulnar arteries were examined in 80 healthy volunteers in both forearms using CDFI.Following parameters were detectednumber,diameter,jumping-off point,course,location and peak blood velocity.All the parameters data were analyzed statistically.ResultsThree hundred and forty-five perforating branches were detected in total 160ulnar arteries.These branches were classified into three typestype Ⅰ,myocutaneous perforator (10.3 ％);type Ⅱ,septocutaneous perforator(87 ％ ) ; type Ⅲ,direct cutaneous perforator (2.7 ％ ).The most dominant branches were located in the mesial of the upper third,middle third and lower third of the forearm.There was no significant difference among all age groups and no difference in peak blood velocity between left side and right side( P ＞0.05).The peak blood velocity was higher in male than that in female.( P ＜0.05).In relaxing period,the blood flow rate was almost disappeared and the frequency spectrum showed the characteristics of single direction,lower blood velocity and higher blood resistance.ConclusionsCDFI with high resolution showed better results of distribution and location of perforating branches of the ulnar artery and a better quality evaluation of the these branches.CDFI was helpful to design the skin flap containing cutaneous perforators of ulnar artery.