Segmentation of the Left Internal Thoracic Artery: A New Technique for Maximal Arterial Grafting

Authors

  • Ramzi Ramadan
  • Nawwar Al Attar
  • Francisco Nappi
  • Patrick Nataf

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1532/hsf.527

Abstract

The left internal thoracic artery (LITA) is the preferred graft with the best patency rate in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). To maximize its use, we developed a technique of grafting 2 distant coronary arteries with the LITA, using its distal portion segmented to construct a Y graft with either the in situ LITA or right internal thoracic artery (RITA). We applied this technique in 51 patients. The distal segment of the LITA was used to create a Y graft in 4 different configurations according to coronary pathology. Off-pump grafting was performed in 11% of cases. The use of a distal segment of the LITA was thus extended not only to the left anterior descending artery and branches but also to the circumflex and right coronary artery territories.

References

Bonchek LI, Burlingame MW, Vazales BE, Lundy EF. 1996. Maximal utilization of the left internal mammary artery for coronary bypass grafting. Ann Thorac Surg 61:1848-9.nBuxton BF, Ruengsakulrach P, Fuller J, Rosalion A, Reid CM, Tatoulis J. 2000. The right internal thoracic artery graft-benefits of grafting the left coronary system and native vessels with a high grade stenosis. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 18:255-61.nLytle BW, Blackstone EH, Loop FD, et al. 1999. Two internal thoracic artery grafts are better than one. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 117:855-72.n

Published

2005-02-07

How to Cite

Ramadan, R., Attar, N. A., Nappi, F., & Nataf, P. (2005). Segmentation of the Left Internal Thoracic Artery: A New Technique for Maximal Arterial Grafting. The Heart Surgery Forum, 6(6), E146-E147. https://doi.org/10.1532/hsf.527

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