Abstract
The effect of age as a risk factor for deterioration of palmar microcirculation after radial artery harvesting for coronary revascularization is unknown. In 114 patients aged 61.7 ± 6.7 years undergoing radial artery harvesting, superficial and deep tissue oxygen saturation, postcapillary venous filling, and capillary blood flow were determined using a combined laser Doppler spectrophotometry system 25 ± 5 months after surgery. Superficial and deep oxygen saturation at the harvested thenar eminence decreased with age. In the nondonor hand, oxygen saturation declined in the first and second digits. Postcapillary venous filling pressure in both thenars increased with age. It was concluded that neurological complications do not correlate with age. Palmar tissue oxygen saturation, palmar capillary blood flow, and blood velocity decrease, while postcapillary venous filling pressure significantly increases with age. Radial artery harvesting for coronary revascularization does not compromise palmar microcirculation to the same extent as age. A cut-off value of ≤ 67 years was determined by microcirculatory assessment; beyond this, significant deterioration of palmar microcirculation is more likely to occur.
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