Flow pattern changes in the nonmobilized right internal thoracic artery after coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract

　We analyzed changes in the blood flow pattern in the nonmobilized right internal thoracic artery (RITA) after coronary artery bypass grafting using left internal thoracic artery. The study group consisted of 129 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting at the Toyama University hospital between July 1999 and March 2005.
　ITA blood flow of the postoperative RITA was significantly increased in the diastolic phase (40.1±17.6 ml/min to 76.7±31.5 ml/min).
　This indicated the presence of the vascular bed, which is the blood flow requirement of the diastolic phase. The RITA that remains is suggested to work as a very important source of blood flow in the healing process.