The radial artery: which place in coronary operation?

Ann Thorac Surg. 2000 Apr;69(4):1288-94. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(99)01089-9.

Abstract

Previous long-term studies have shown unsatisfactory patency of saphenous vein grafts, compared with internal mammary artery grafts. Recently, the use of the radial artery as a coronary artery bypass graft has enjoyed a revival, on the basis of the belief that it will help improving long-term results of coronary operations. The recent report of encouraging 5-year patency rates, supports its continued use as a bypass graft. In this paper, we review the current knowledge about the radial artery as a bypass graft, with special emphasis on the clinical results.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Artery Bypass / methods*
  • Humans
  • Radial Artery / anatomy & histology
  • Radial Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Radial Artery / transplantation*
  • Radiography
  • Spasm
  • Thoracic Arteries / transplantation
  • Vascular Patency