Arm temperature distribution in thermographic pictures after radial artery harvesting for coronary bypass operation

The radial artery (RA) beside the left internal mammary artery and veins is often used for coronary artery bypass grafting. The aim of this study was to assess arm temperature changes after removal of the radial artery and determine whether there is an effect on hand function. Between April and December 2005, fifty patients underwent myocardial revascularization employing the pedicle RA as one of the coronary grafts. The study protocol included thermographic and clinical examination one day before the surgery and on the sixth day after the procedure. An Agema 900 Thermovision System was used for thermographic evaluation. Thermovision examinations were carried out at rest and after a handgrip test before and after radial artery harvesting. Temperature was measured on each finger and on the forearm (separately on the radial and ulnar side of the forearm). All examinations were performed in the same conditions. Hand endurance was compared with the 2 min handgrip test before and after the surgery. A comparison of hand temperature changes during the handgrip test before and after radial artery harvesting showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Before the surgery a significant increase in temperature over the ulnar artery was observed after the handgrip test. There were no clinical symptoms of acute or subacute hand ischemia. No clinical evidence of hand claudication was detected. There was no significant difference in hand endurance after radial artery harvesting. This study suggests that removal of the radial artery changes the hand temperature distribution but does not affect hand function in the short-term. In the study group, radial artery harvesting did not cause clinically relevant changes in blood support of the arm.