Revascularization of the upper extremity in a preterm infant: A case report and review of the literature

Upper extremity arterial injuries in preterm infants are usually of iatroge nic origin. Current microsurgical techniques permit extremity revasculariza tion in these patients. The authors report the microsurgical repair of a 0. 7-mm brachial artery in a 940-g preterm infant. The preterm infant warrants special consideration due to physiological immaturity. Rapid fluid shifts, a relative polycythemia, and the potential for low cardiac output states i ncrease the risk for vascular thrombosis. Systemic heparinization is contra indicated in this population due to the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage . Optimization of various physiological variables should reduce the risk of thrombosis.