Arterial grafts for myocardial revascularization; experience of 65 internal mammary artery and gastroepiploic artery graftings

From November, 1984, to February 1987, internal mammary artery (IMA) and gastroepiploic artery (GEA) graftings to coronary arteries were performed in 65 patients. Of these patients, 58 unilateral IMAs, 6 bilateral IMAs, 2 GEAs were utilized. The hospital mortality was 3.2% but no cardiogenic death occurred. Fifty-eight (89%) patients became asymptomatic after surgery. Postoperative angiography performed from 1 to 3 months after operation showed excellent patency in 57 (96%) IMAs and 2 (100%) GEAs. On the other hand, the patency of saphenous vein graft done at the same period were 88%. GEAs were used for 2 reoperated cases and revealed good patency and relief of symptoms without surgical complication. Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) was used to dissect IMA from the chest wall, which was useful to shorten the operative time. In conclusion, arterial grafts, such as IMA and GEA were thought to be excellent coronary bypass conduits even for the small Japanese patient.