Use of Radial Artery Grafts for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Authors

  • De Chang Zheng Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yunnan Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kunming Yan'an Hospital, Yunnan, China
  • Li Zhang Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yunnan Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kunming Yan'an Hospital, Yunnan, China
  • Mao Dong Yang Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yunnan Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kunming Yan'an Hospital, Yunnan, China
  • Jian Wu Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yunnan Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kunming Yan'an Hospital, Yunnan, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1532/hsf.4697

Keywords:

Coronary artery bypass grafting, radial artery, radial artery sequential graft, right internal mammary artery

Abstract

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the primary surgical treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, long-term clinical practice has confirmed the poor long-term patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVG), prompting surgeons to investigate alternatives, such as the use of radial artery (RA) grafts. In this report, we review and discuss the current status of radial artery application during CABG and current controversies in the field. Ultimately, evidence indicates that RA-CABG is associated with good long-term patency and is suitable for patients with severe stenosis. However, the compensatory capacity of the ulnar artery should be assessed prior to RA harvesting. Given that the RA is prone to spasms, routine application of calcium channel blockers is recommended. Several studies also have indicated that sequential grafting is an effective method for maximizing radial artery application and that patency rates are similar for the radial artery and right internal mammary artery. In contrast, the use of the bilateral internal mammary arteries is technically more demanding and exhibits a significant volume-outcome relationship. The decision to use the right internal mammary artery or radial artery should be based on individual patient characteristics and the experience of the surgical team.

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Published

2022-05-31

How to Cite

zheng, D., Zhang, L., Yang, M. D., & Wu, J. (2022). Use of Radial Artery Grafts for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. The Heart Surgery Forum, 25(3), E385-E390. https://doi.org/10.1532/hsf.4697

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