Fig. 169
Fig. 170
Surgical anatomy and ligation of the brachial artery. (Bernard and Huette.)
The Radial Artery.
—The radial artery is the direct extension of the brachial and passes underneath a nearly straight line to the neighborhood of the scaphoid bone. High up in the forearm it may be exposed between the supinator longus and pronator teres, being found beneath the former. In the middle portion of the forearm it may be exposed along the ulnar border of the supinator longus, and lying upon the pronator radii teres. At the wrist it may be exposed with perfect ease, where it is usually outlined when feeling the pulse ([Figs. 171] and [172]).
The Ulnar Artery.
—The ulnar artery is the larger of the two main trunks, and is rarely tied in the upper part of the arm, lying too deep for easy exposure. Should it be divided by a wound of this region the opening may be enlarged sufficiently for its detection and double ligation ([Figs. 171] and [172]).
Of the large vessels of the trunk the abdominal aorta has been tied, although it is questionable whether this would ever be a justifiable operation, as all recorded cases have succumbed from one cause or another.