A Descriptive Comparison of Diameter of Radial and Ulnar Arteries Using Doppler Ultrasonography

Background: Radial artery is becoming the commonest artery after femoral artery used for cardiac procedures. The anatomical feasibility, patient comfort along with less chances of atherosclerosis in radial graft make it a preferred artery, but in certain clinical situations as need of second graft, blocked radial artery, difficulty in puncturing radial artery, where we require some other artery for cardiac procedures. Out of several factors the size of artery is the most vital factor for judging the suitability. Methods: In this study of 117 subjects we measured the smallest internal diameter in each one-third segment of the radial and ulnar arteries at wrist, using L 11-3 probe. Results: The mean diameter of right and left radial artery was 2.35 ± 0.49 mm and 2.29 ± 0.48 mm respectively (p value= 0.18). The mean diameter of right and left ulnar artery was 2.26 ± 0.44 mm and 2.22 ± 0.43 mm respectively ( p value =0.18 ). On comparison of right Radial to right Ulnar and left Radial to Ulnar arteries diameter no significant difference was found. Conclusion: The diameter of radial and ulnar arteries were almost equal without any significant difference. Knowing the size will guide the interventional cardiologist in using appropriate size sheaths and guide catheters. Cardiac surgeons can utilize ulnar artery for bypass grafting when it is deemed unsafe to harvest the radial artery.