Recognition of potential morbidity after use of the radial artery as a conduit for coronary artery revascularization.

The use of the radial artery as an alternative vascular conduit for coronary bypass surgery has become increasingly popular. The plastic surgery experience with radial forearm flaps has shown that sacrifice of the radial artery is not always a benign maneuver. The potential morbidity after using this conduit donor site in terms of hand dysfunction or wound healing problems can be significant, and frequently must ultimately be addressed as part of the role of the reconstructive surgeon. Case examples of skin necrosis, subsequent forearm wound infection and hypertrophic scarring after radial artery harvest are presented to introduce this as a real concern and to allow a review of the entire spectrum of potential problems in this regard. Any selection process where the radial artery may be chosen as the coronary revascularization conduit must anticipate these known donor site complications.