Evaluation Of The Patency Of The Hand Collateral Arteries With Thumb Perfusion Index Test: Comparison With The Modified Allen's Test

Objective: To evaluate the patency of the hand collateral arteries and to compare modified Allen's test(MAT)with thumb Perfusion Index(PI)test before radial artery puncture.Methods: Patients scheduled to undergo selective major surgery were prospectively examined with MAT and thumb PI test before radial artery puncture.Two tests' results were either positive or negative.Results of both tests were compared in 1108 patients.Results: Among 1108 patients,two tests all negative was in 1033 cases;two tests all positive was in 16 cases;the MAT positive,thumb PI test negative was in 57 cases;the MAT negative,thumb PI test positive was in 2 cases,with Chi-square test(x2=51.27,P<0.05).It meant that there was statistical differences used to evaluate the patency of the hand collateral arteries.The influencing factors were analysed by stepwise logistic regression analyses found that positive rate is related to age and gender by using both methods(P<0.05).Conclusion: The result of thumb PI test show more sensitive than MAT.When applied to radial approach screening,1.62% of patients were not suitable candidates for radial artery puncture.Furthermore,thumb PI test was found to be more simpler and convenient compared with MAT in the evaluation of hand collateral arteries,which can replace MAT in clinical application.