An objective sequential compression test to evaluate the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries.

The effect of sequential compression of the radial and ulnar artery on finger pulse volume oscillations was recorded by photoplethysmography. The effect of the compression was studied in 25 control subjects and 15 patients with angiographically documented obstructions of the radial or ulnar artery. Under normal conditions a reduction of oscillations by 35% was observed in the first, third, and fifth finger. On the other hand, an obstruction of the radial or ulnar artery results in a significant reduction or even disappearance of oscillations if the unobstructed artery is compressed. It is concluded that this test offers objective evaluation and documentation of the patency condition of the major arteries supplying the hand circulation.