Revascularization of radial artery for ischemic hand with history of hand reimplantation

Abstract

Limb reimplantation is widely described, but there are sparse reports of limb ischemia complications. We present the case of a patient with hand reimplantation who developed limb-threatening ischemia 20 years later. The patient is a 37-year-old man with a history of traumatic wrist amputation and reimplantation who presented with fingertip ulcerations. Testing demonstrated ischemic digit pressures and no flow in the palmar arch. The initial angiogram demonstrated radial artery occlusion. Balloon angioplasty had initial success; however, the loss of primary patency prompted repeat angiography with the use of intravascular ultrasound and laser atherectomy. His symptoms and wounds resolved, with normalized digit pressures. His radial artery remains patent after 2 years.

Keywords

• Laser atherectomy
• Limb reimplantation
• Radial artery occlusion
• Upper extremity angiography
• Upper extremity limb ischemia