Abstract
Purpose
The aim was to evaluate the achieved patency rates and to compare directional Doppler
with angiography in the assessment of the vascular patency.
Methods
Two different methods were used in evaluation of the vascular function of reconstructed
fingers and hands. Directional Doppler mapping of anastomosed arteries was compared
with conventional angiographical study in the same individuals in the examination
of 110 arteries.
Results
The results showed equal findings in majority of examined vessels (93%) using both
methods. There was erroneous interpretation in Doppler study of 4 arteries and in
3 angiographies the interpretation differed from Doppler study mainly due to projection
difficulty. There were also 4 digital arteries which were considered open in Doppler
study but angiography showed arterial recanalization or neovascularization phenomenon.
Conclusion
The patency rates at digital artery level (70%) were lower than at metacarpal and
forearm level (81%) The results were in concordance with previous studies.
Keywords
Doppler ultrasound - Hand angiography - Microanastomosis - Patency rates - Replantation
