Distal Bypass to the Deep Palmar Arch for Treatment of a Unique Presentation of Digital Ischemia

Abstract

Summary: Radial artery occlusion leading to hand ischemia is a serious problem that may require prompt surgical intervention. Due to the rarity of these events, consensus on the most effective surgical approach has not yet been reached. There is even scarce literature on appropriate management of symptomatic radial occlusion in patients with a congenital variation in hand vasculature. We report on a case of a 38-year-old woman with radial artery occlusion who underwent a successful distal radial artery bypass to the deep palmar arch due to a diminutive ulnar artery and the absence of a superficial palmar arch. Radial artery bypass to the deep palmar arch using a reversed vein graft is a viable treatment option for preventing further digital ischemia or necrosis in patients with a compromised vasculature of the hand.