ABSTRACT
Patency can be assessed 10-20 minutes after the anastomosis is completed. First, the vessel is checked for pulsations distal to the anastomotic site and this is called expansile pulsation.14 Other tests are the ‘uplift test’ or ‘hook patency test’ in which microforceps are placed distal to the anastomosis and gently raised to occlude blood flow. Next, the forceps are moved distally and when blood flow is filling the segment under the moving curved forceps the anastomosis is considered to be patent. In the ‘empty and refill’ test known also as ‘milking test’ the distal anastomosis region of the artery is closed with two microforceps. While keeping the most distal forceps closed, a milking motion is performed to empty a vessel segment with the secured pair of forceps. The most proximal forceps are then released and filling of the segment across the anastomosis down to the secured forceps confirms patency (Figure 3.5).
