RESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate color Doppler ultrasonography in assessing hand collateral circulation before radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hand circulation of 30 patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting was assessed by means of the modified Allen test and Doppler ultrasonography dynamic test. The test was performed by recording the flow in the superficial palmar branch of the radial and ulnar arteries with and without compression of the radial artery. In the postoperative period hemodynamic changes in the ulnar artery were also detected by means of Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients, one had abnormal and the other 29 had normal Doppler ultrasonography dynamic test results. All the patients' modified Allen test results were also normal. In 14 patients radial artery graft was used in the coronary artery bypass operation. CONCLUSION: Doppler ultrasonography dynamic test is an effective and noninvasive method in the preoperative evaluation of the hand collateral circulation for the safe removal of a radial artery graft.