Can the modified Allen's test always detect sufficient collateral flow in the hand? A computational study.
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Alastruey, J
Parker, KH
Peiró, J
Sherwin, SJ
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Blood flow in the largest arteries of the arm up to the digital arteries is numerically modelled using the one-dimensional equations of pressure and flow wave propagation in compliant vessels. The model can be applied to different anatomies of arterial networks and can simulate compression of arteries, these allowing us to simulate the modified Allens test (MAT) and to assess its suitability for the detection of sufficient collateral flow in the hand if radial blood supply is interrupted. The test measures blood flow in the superficial palmar arch before and during compression of the radial artery. The absence of reversal flow in the palmar arch with the compression indicates insufficient collateral flow and is referred to as a positive MAT. This study shows that small calibres of the superficial palmar arch and insufficient compression of the radial artery can lead to false-positive results. Measurement of the drop in digital systolic pressures with compression of the radial artery has proved to be a more sensitive test to predict the presence of sufficient ulnar collateral flow in networks with small calibres of the superficial palmar arch. However, this study also shows that digital pressure measurements can fail in detecting enough collateral flow if the radial artery is insufficiently compressed. © 2006 Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Version
Accepted version
Date Issued
2006-12-01
Citation
Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin Vol.( 9 ) No.( 6 ) pp 353 - 361
ISSN
1025-5842
Start Page
353
End Page
361
Copyright Statement
© 2006 Taylor & Francis
This is an electronic version of an article published in Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering Vol 9, Issue 6, pages 353-361.Available online at informaworld.
This is an electronic version of an article published in Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering Vol 9, Issue 6, pages 353-361.Available online at informaworld.
Source Volume Number
9