Abstract
Background : It has been documented that the internal thoracic artery yields better long-term patency rates than saphenous vein grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting. The use of the radial artery for coronary artery bypass grafting is controversial. Radial artery has been used as the promising arterial grafts with the quality similar to the internal thoracic artery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term patency rate of radial artery graft.
Methods : From March to December 1999, radial artery graft was used in 15 patients (14 male and one female, mean age, 60.4 years) undergoing myocardial revascularization. Thirteen patients underwent angiographic studies in the early postoperative period (2-42 weeks after surgery).
Results : Of 12 grafts studied, all were patent, however, 2 grafts (13%) showed string sign. The flow characteristics of the grafts were mainly graft dominant flow pattern.
Conclusions : Our results suggest that with proper care, the radial artery may be used for coronary artery bypass grafting with good early results. Long-term follow-up and angiographic studies will be necessary to establish the merit of the radial artery as a graft for coronary artery operation.
