Brachial artery puncture: a definite risk to the hand.
We have described a patient who had an acutely ischemic hand after brachial artery puncture in the antecubital fossa. Because of the anatomy of the forearm, hematoma formation and compression of the brachial artery and median nerve are poorly tolerated and predispose to irreversible ischemia or neuropathy. We recommend that brachial artery puncture in the antecubital fossa be avoided.
D000208:Acute Disease; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography