# A Superficial Anatomical Variation in the Radial Artery Renders It Unsuitable as a Graft in Coronary Revascularization

## TL;DR

A rare anatomical variation in the radial artery makes it unsuitable for use as a graft in coronary surgery due to its superficial position.

## Contribution

The paper highlights a rare anatomical variation of the radial artery and its implications for coronary grafting.

## Key findings

- A superficial radial artery was found in two patients, making it unsuitable for grafting.
- This variation occurs in approximately 0.02% of radial artery harvesting cases.
- Photographic documentation of this variation is extremely rare globally.

## Abstract

In our experience, employing a radial artery in combination with an internal thoracic artery under specific conditions represents a superior option compared to using a vein graft in coronary artery surgery. Additionally, this combination is a remarkable alternative to utilizing bilateral thoracic arteries.

We had planned the left radial artery as the second target graft in two patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery; the left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending branch would be the main graft in both patients.

Anatomic variation of the radial artery, which presented as a superficial radial artery in both patients, led us to forego the use of the radial artery graft. This decision aimed to ensure sufficient blood supply to the palmar arch and prevent any potential inadequacy in the length of the coronary graft.

The occurrence of this variation is exceptionally rare, accounting for approximately 0.02% based on our experience with radial artery harvesting. Furthermore, globally, the documentation of photographs depicting a superficial radial artery is even more infrequent.