Skeletonized bilateral internal mammary arteries for total arterial myocardial revascularization

BACKGROUND: Bilateral internal mammary artery (IMA) grafting is associated with an improved long-term survival, low rates of recurrence of angina and late myocardial infarction. However, because of the inadequate length of the conduit, use of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting occasionally is not suitable for complete revascularization. To overcome this limitation, extra length can be obtained by skeletonization of both IMAs. We decided to prospectively assess the safety of this technique. METHODS: One hundred patients with a mean age of 52.5 +/- 13.1 years underwent complete revascularization with skeletonized bilateral internal mammary arteries on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The right internal mammary artery (RIMA) was used as a free graft connected to the in situ left IMA (LIMA) in 88 patients. A free LIMA was attached to in situ RIMA in 12 patients. The average number of grafts was 3.2 per patient (range: 2-4 grafts per patient). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 60% (range: 25-80%). RESULTS: No patient required reexploration for bleeding, and no patient died within 30 days after operation. On the basis of electrocardiographic changes, three patients sustained a perioperative myocardial infarction. One patient had a sternal wound infection. Mean follow-up was 24 months (range: 6-36 months). The actuarial survival rate was 99 +/- 1% at 3 years. No myocardial infarctions were reported during the follow-up. Three patients had recurrent angina with conduit occlusion diagnosed on coronary angiography. CONCLUSION: Complete myocardial revascularization with skeletonized bilateral internal mammary arteries is a safe and reliable technique with excellent early and mid-term results.     

Perioperative and clinical-angiographic late outcome of total arterial myocardial revascularization according to different composite original graft techniques

Total arterial myocardial revascularization (TAMR) is advisable because of the excellent long-term patency of arterial conduits. We present early and midterm outcomes of five different surgical configurations for TAMR. Between January 1998 and May 2004, 112 patients (aged 56.5 ± 4.5 years, 20% female) with three-vessel disease underwent TAMR. The internal mammary arteries (IMAs) were harvested in a sketelonized fashion. The surgical techniques for TAMR consisted in Y or T composite grafts (n = 88, 78%) constructed between the in situ right IMA (RIMA) and the free left IMA (LIMA) graft (n = 58) or the radial artery (n = 30) (RA) in three different configurations. The other techniques consisted in T- and inverted T-graft (n = 24, 22%) constructed between the RA conduit and the free LIMA graft in two different configurations. The mean follow-up time was 40 ± 23 months. Postoperative angiographic control was performed in 76/111 (70%) patients. Overall, 472 arterial anastomoses (average 4.2 per patient) were performed. One (0.9%) patient, undergoing the inverted T-graft technique, died on postoperative day 2. Another patient (0.9%), undergoing the λ-graft technique using both IMAs and RA, suffered a new myocardial infarction probably due to RA conduit vasospasm. One week after surgery, after the transthoracic echocardiographic Doppler with adenosine provocative test, the coronary flow reserve (CFR) at the LIMA and RIMA main stems were 2 ± 0.4 and 2.4 ± 0.3, respectively. At 12-month follow-up, after adenosine provocative test, the CFRs at the LIMA and RIMA stems were significantly higher than the values at 1 week after surgery within the same group; ^LIMACFR (1 week) 2.4 ± 0.3 (12 months) vs 2 ± 04 (1 week), P = 0.002; ^RIMACFR 2.58 ± 0.4 vs 2.4 ± 0.3, P = 0.001. The CFR at the RIMA main stem was higher in all measurements within the same group than in the LIMA main stem, but not significantly. In one patient undergoing the λ-graft technique using both IMAs, the RIMA was found to have a string sign. Postoperative angiography in 50 patients showed that the patency rate for the LIMA was 100%, for the RIMA 97.3%, and for the RA 96.7%. Angiography at 3-year follow-up in 76 patients documented excellent patency rates of the LIMA (97.4%), RIMA (95%), and RA (87%). Survival at 7 years was 92.5%, event-free survival 89.3%, and freedom from angina 94%. Total arterial myocardial revascularization using different surgical configurations is safe and effective. The use of composite arterial grafts provides excellent clinical and angiographic results, with a low rate of angina recurrence and late cardiac events. These configurations allow for complete arterial revascularization.     

非体外循环下“Y”型全动脉桥的冠状动脉旁路移植术

目的 :总结非体外循环下 (off pump)应用左侧乳内动脉与桡动脉“Y”型动脉桥 (Y arterialgraft)冠状动脉旁路移植术的临床经验。方法 :2 0 0 2年 9月至 2 0 0 4年 1月连续对 4 2例冠心病患者行非体外循环下“Y”型全动脉桥的冠状动脉旁路移植术 (YAG OPCABG)。男性 31例 ,女性 11例 ,年龄 (6 6 5±8 4 )岁。手术在全麻非体外循环心脏跳动下进行 ,所有患者均在第三肋间左心耳处行桡动脉与左侧乳内动脉 (LIMA)的“Y”型端侧吻合 ,LIMA与前降支 (LAD)吻合而桡动脉与对角支或钝缘支及后降支或左心室后侧支序贯吻合。应用瞬时血流测定仪测定血管内流量。结果 :全组无死亡 ,无围手术期心肌梗死。 1例后降支行再吻合 ,其余吻合口均通畅并有较好的流量及搏动指数。随访 2～ 17个月 ,生活质量好。结论 :YAG OPCABG具有创伤小 ,全动脉的优点 ,具有良好血流的LLMA并不能影响“Y”桥分支血流量 ,可取得良好的近期临床效果。     

二维多普勒评价主动脉气囊反搏对原位及移植乳内动脉血流

目的观察并比较主动脉内气囊反搏(intra-aortic ballon counterpulsation,IABP)对原位及冠状动脉旁路移植术后的乳内动脉血流特性的影响,为冠状动脉旁路移植术后应用IABP提供客观依据。方法对7例冠状动脉旁路移植术后应用IABP病人应用二维多普勒法在胸骨旁左右第1肋间分别测定左乳内动脉与右乳内动脉的直径、时间流速积分、心输出量和乳内动脉血流量,比较这些指标在应用及撤除IABP后的改变。结果应用IABP可使原位及旁路移植术后的乳内动脉的时间流速积分,总血流量和心脏舒张期血流量明显增加(P<0.05),使乳内动脉在心脏收缩期血流量下降,这些改变以原位乳内动脉更为朋显;尽管IABP对心输出量并无明显影响,但可明显增加乳内动脉血流量与心输出量的比值。结论IABP可明显增加原位及旁路移植术后乳内动脉的血流量,改善冠状动脉旁路移植术后心肌的血液供应。     

全动脉化冠状动脉旁路移植74例

目的:介绍全动脉化冠状动脉旁路移植（CABG）的早期效果和经验。方法:74例全动脉化CABG的患者。74例患者分别在体外循环（CPB）和非CPB下行CABG。应用左乳内动脉（IMA）1例,左IMA加单挠动脉（RA）14例,左IMA加双RA 54例,双IMA加双RA 3例,双RA 2例。人均搭桥4.7（17）支,序贯吻合66例,“Y”和“T”型吻合分别为15和6例。结果:围手术期无死亡。本组患者随访518（平均12.2）个月,均恢复良好,无心绞痛症状再发。多普勒和16排CT示血管桥无狭窄通畅。结论:全动脉化CABG取得好的早期效果,是一种值得积极推广的方法。     

全动脉化冠状动脉旁路移植术的应用与疗效观察

目的:探讨全动脉化冠状动脉旁路移植术的手术技术。 方法:42例接受全动脉化冠状动脉旁路移植术的患者,其中男性37例,女性5例,年龄28～73岁,平均(57.43±7.45)岁。体外循环下搭桥16例,非体外循环下心脏不停跳搭桥26例。人均旁路3.08支(1～5支),左乳内动脉(IMA)34例,双侧IMA 8例,左侧桡动脉(RA)33例,双侧RA 9例,胃网膜右动脉(GEA)1例。 结果:术后仅1例患者因多器官功能衰竭死亡(死亡率2.4％),41例(97.6％)症状明显改善,康复出院。 结论:全动脉化搭桥手术早期临床效果满意。     

Routine intraoperative angiography improves the early patency of coronary grafts performed on the beating heart

OBJECTIVES: The techniques of performing coronary revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass are rapidly evolving. However, concern remains regarding the accuracy of coronary artery anastomoses performed on the beating heart. This report reviews the use of intraoperative angiography in the critical appraisal of "off-pump" coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. PATIENTS: Intraoperative angiography was performed in 24 consecutive patients undergoing CABG surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass. In all, 24 left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts and 18 saphenous vein bypass grafts were assessed for patency, anastomosis quality, distal and proximal runoff, and correct placement. RESULTS: All of the saphenous vein-to-coronary artery anastomoses were widely patent, although two patients (8%) required revision of their LIMA grafts on the basis of angiographic findings. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative angiography permits the surgeon to immediately appraise the CABG and to revise, if necessary, any graft abnormality, thus potentially eliminating the need for early repeated surgery. The practice of routine intraoperative angiography is likely to improve the outcome of CABG surgery on the beating heart.     

Total Arterial Myocardial Revascularization Using New Composite Graft Techniques for Internal Mammary and/or Radial Arteries Conduits

Abstract Background: Total arterial myocardial revascularization (TAMR) is feasible because of the excellent long-term patency of the arterial conduits. We present five new surgical configurations for TAMR. Methods: Between December 1998 and July 1999,34 patients with triple vessel disease underwent TAMR. All patients were in CCS 111 or IV. Sketelonized internal mammary arteries (IMAs) were used. The surgical techniques for TAMR consisted of Y or T composite grafts constructed between the in situ RlMA and free LIMA graft or radial artery (RA) conduit in three different configurations. Other techniques uses included a T graft constructed between the RA conduit and free LIMA graft in two configurations. Twenty-six (76%) patients underwent contrast-enhanced TTE color Doppler before and a after adenosine provocative test, and seven (20%) patients had postoperative coronary angiography. Results: Overall, 144 anastomoses (average number per patient, 4.2) were completed. One (2.9%) patient undergoing an inverted T graft technique died on postoperative day 2. Another patient (2.9%) undergoing the right Y graft technique using IMAs and RA suffered pe-rioperative AM1 due to RA conduit vasospasm. Contrast-enhanced TTE color Doppler before and after the adenosine provocative test and at 1 week postoperation revealed a coronary flow reserve (CFR) of 2.1 ± 0.2 in the LIMA stem, and in the RlMA stem, a CFR of 2.3 ± 0.3 (P < 0.007). In one patient undergoing the right Y graft technique using IMAs, we found only anomalous flow dynamic parameters of RIMA, suggesting a partial graft closure. The angio-graphic examination revealed a free LIMA graft closure. At 6 ± 2.4 months after operation 33 patients were alive and free of angina. The IMAs stem evaluation by TTE color Doppler at follow-up revealed a 2.45 ± 0.1 mm LIMA diameter and 2.6 ± 0.2 mm RlMA diameter, which was more than early postoperative data of P < 0.001 and P < 0.007, respectively. Conclusion: These data indicate that TAMR in young patients perhaps offers a better postoperative outcome and perhaps should be part of the surgical armamentarium. These techniques apply the “nontouch” principle and should be taken into consideration in patients with a heavily calcified aorta. Contrast-enhanced TTE color Doppler is a safe, accurate, and noninvasive test, which allows assessment of IMA patency and CFR evaluation. The flow reserve of the IMAs seems to be adequate for multiple coronary anastomoses.     

Transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic comparison of left internal mammary grafts to left anterior descending coronary artery with ungrafted right internal mammary arteries in patients with and without myocardial ischemia by dobutamine stress echocardiography

To characterize Doppler flow patterns of the grafted left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in patients with and without dobutamine stress induced wall motion abnormalities in the graft distribution, we studied 29 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery using LIMA grafts to the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The ungrafted right internal mammary artery (RIMA) was used as a control. RIMA Doppler flow pattern was predominantly systolic in all patients. In patients without ischemia in the LAD distribution, LIMA flow was predominantly diastolic. In patients with ischemia, LIMA flow was predominantly systolic. In the grafted LIMA, a ratio of diastolic to systolic time-velocity integral of > 1.5 best showed absence of ischemia in the graft distribution. In summary, characterization of the Doppler flow pattern in the internal mammary arteries is feasible. In the grafted LIMA, ratios of diastolic to systolic flow are less in patients with an ischemic response in the subtended vascular bed than in those without ischemia.     

Early Outcomes of Radial Artery Use in All-Arterial Grafting of the Coronary Arteries in Patients 65 Years and Older

We retrospectively evaluated early clinical results of coronary revascularization using none but arterial grafts in patients aged 65 years and older. The cases of 449 consecutive patients who had undergone isolated myocardial revascularization were divided into 2 groups: the arterial conduit group (n=107) received a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft and 1 or both radial arteries (RAs), while the mixed-conduit group (n=342) received a LIMA graft and 1 or more saphenous vein grafts (SVGs), with or without an RA.There was no significant difference between the groups'' rates of mortality. The arterial conduit group had a significantly shorter overall postoperative hospital stay than did the mixed-conduit group (mean, 6.6 ± 0.9 vs 7.2 ± 5 days; P=0.04). Linear regression analysis revealed that the presence of hypertension (β=0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.054–0.759; P=0.02) and high EuroSCORE (β=0.24; 95% CI, 0.053–0.283; P=0.004) were the major predicting factors for long hospital stay. Graft-harvest-site infection was statistically more frequent in the mixed-conduit group than in the arterial conduit group (6.4% vs 0, respectively; P=0.007). Angiography was performed postoperatively (mean, 24.9 ± 16.3 mo; range, 11–65 mo) in 21 patients. In these patients, all LIMA grafts were patent, as were 86.9% of the SVGs and 90.9% of the RA grafts.Myocardial revascularization using all arterial grafts (at least 50% RAs) in patients aged 65 years and older is safe and reliable, produces short-term results equal to those of saphenous vein grafting, and can reduce graft-harvest-site infections.Key words: Aged, coronary artery bypass, coronary disease/surgery, myocardial revascularization, post-operative complications, radial artery/transplantation, retrospective studies, saphenous vein/transplantation, surgical wound infection/prevention & control, tissue and organ harvesting, transplantation, autologous, thoracic arteries/transplantation, treatment outcomeIn recent years, more and more elderly patients have been able to undergo coronary artery revascularization because of advancements in surgical techniques.^1-3 Although these older individuals are at risk of postoperative sequelae from many concomitant diseases, the operative results associated with revascularization have continued to improve.^4,5 Use of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) as a bypass graft for the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) is the main innovation that has improved survival rates and reduced late cardiac events after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).^6-8 Use of the radial artery (RA) has also yielded favorable angiographic and clinical results, including very good long-term patency, better healing of the forearm than of the leg (as a harvesting site, when use of the RA is compared with use of the saphenous vein), and lower risk of wound infection. Although the RA is now considered a suitable conduit for CABG,^9-11 more information is needed on outcomes. We designed this study to evaluate early clinical results of all-arterial revascularization of the coronary arteries using LIMA and RA grafts in patients aged 65 and older.     

Double coronary revascularization using the internal mammary arteries. Mid-term results of 74 cases

This study reports our experience of 74 multiple coronary artery bypass, using either the two internal mammary arteries (IMA) (43 cases), or the left internal mammary artery (LIMA), alone for sequential bypass (31 cases). Comparison with a series of 200 patients operated upon in a previous period (1981-83), when the LIMA was used alone for single bypass, showed that post-operative mortality, post-operative infarction and mediastinitis were significantly more frequent with double bypass using the two IMA; similarly, the mid-term results seemed to be less satisfactory with the double IMA bypass technique. This difference was due to the fact that using the right and left IMA means longer dissection time, greater problems of haemostasis, stronger surgical trauma and prolonged exposure of the sternum, which is a source of infection. In addition, the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) being further away from the sites of coronary grafting lends itself less readily than the LIMA to this type of bypass, and it is often used for the right and marginal coronary artery which is less suitable for surgery. Using the LIMA alone for sequential bypass does not seem to produce more complications than using that vessel for single bypass. On the basis of the results obtained, we consider that the double IMA bypass should only be used when the internal saphenous vein bypass is contraindicated (past history of stripping, varices, fragile aorta forewarning of difficult grafting).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of coronary artery bypass grafting using internal mammary arteries for diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVES: In our institute, internal mammary arteries (IMAs) have been preferred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of diabetes and IMA grafting on survival after CABG. BACKGROUND: The influence of diabetes on the results of CABG is not well documented, and there is controversy about whether the use of IMAs conveys greater survival benefits to diabetic patients. METHODS: A total of 420 consecutive patients who underwent CABG from April 1990 to July 1998 were reviewed; 211 of these patients had diabetes mellitus at the time of surgery. Internal mammary artery grafts have been used with increasing frequency, and bilateral IMAs have been used when possible since 1993. Internal mammary artery grafts were used in 164 nondiabetic patients (78%) and in 155 diabetic patients (73%). Seventy-eight nondiabetic patients and 74 diabetic patients received bilateral IMA grafts. RESULTS: The postoperative mortality was 2.4% in the nondiabetic and 2.8% in the diabetic group. With regard to postoperative complications, diabetic patients had a significantly higher rate of chest wound infection (p < 0.05), irrespective of whether IMAs were used or not. The use of bilateral IMAs did not increase the risk of chest wound infection in nondiabetic or diabetic patients. Overall survival curve, cardiac death-free curve and cardiac event-free curve were not affected adversely by diabetes, and in diabetic patients, CABG with saphenous veins alone conveyed significantly (p < 0.01) less long-term benefit than did CABG with at least one IMA graft. CONCLUSIONS: It was suggested that IMA grafts should be preferred in diabetic patients.     

First time myocardial revascularization in patients younger than 70 years. Single versus double internal mammary artery.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the early and late outcomes of bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) grafting, with or without saphenous vein grafts (SVGs), compared to single internal mammary artery and SVGs in patients < 70 years undergoing first myocardial revascularization. METHODS: From September 1986 to December 1999, 1389 patients underwent first myocardial revascularization using the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to the left anterior descending artery and SVGs (n = 480) or BIMA (one internal mammary artery on the left anterior descending artery) with or without SVGs (n = 909). Propensity score analysis was used to select 952 (476 of each group) patients with the same preoperative and operative characteristics. Thirty-day outcome and 10-year freedom from all-cause death, cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), AMI in a grafted area, redo/percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), redo/PTCA in a grafted artery, cardiac events and any events, were evaluated. Follow-up ranged from 3.5 to 16.8 years (mean 8.8+/-4.0 years). RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 2.9% in the LIMA group and 1.9% in the BIMA group, p = NS; the BIMA group showed a better 10-year freedom from all-cause death (92.4+/-2.1 vs 87.5+/-3.5%, p = 0.0216), cardiac death (97.4+/-0.9 vs 91.9+/-1.4%, p = 0.0042), AMI (98.7+/-0.5 vs 94.2+/-1.2%, p = 0.0034), AMI in a grafted area (98.9+/-0.5 vs 94.7+/-1.3%, p = 0.0017), cardiac events (95.4+/-1.2 vs 86.8+/-1.8%, p = 0.0026) and any events (88.8+/-2.2 vs 80.7+/-2.1%, p = 0.0124). Cox analysis confirmed that LIMA + SVGs was a risk factor independent of lower freedom from all the above-mentioned events. CONCLUSIONS: Double mammary artery in patients < 70 years who had a first time myocardial revascularization gives a better clinical outcome even 10 years after the operation.     

Assessment of left internal mammary artery graft patency and flow reserve after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass.

Despite its merits, minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery (MIDCAB) has been criticized for variable left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft patency rates, prompting the frequent use of postoperative LIMA angiography. Noninvasive transthoracic Doppler interrogation of LIMA grafts has recently been shown to have utility for assessing patency and flow reserve after conventional bypass surgery, but data after MIDCAB has been limited. The objective of this study was to assess LIMA graft anatomy and physiology in 54 patients after MIDCAB using angiography and noninvasive LIMA Doppler imaging. The right internal mammary artery (RIMA) was studied as a control. LIMA flow reserve in response to adenosine was evaluated in a subgroup of 18 randomly chosen patients with patent grafts. LIMA angiographic patency was 93%. Forty-four patients (81%) had obtainable LIMA Doppler data. Patent grafts had a diastolic dominant flow pattern with a peak diastolic/systolic velocity ratio of 1.3 +/- 0.6 and a percent diastolic time-velocity integral (TVI) of 70 +/- 11%. These data were significantly different than the RIMA control values of 0.2 +/- 0.1 and 30 +/- 10%, respectively (p <0.05). Occluded grafts had absent flow or a systolic dominant pattern. Adenosine-induced increases in LIMA peak diastolic velocity from 48 +/- 20 to 105 +/-28 cm/s (p <0.05 vs baseline) and diastolic TVI from 21 +/- 10 to 37 +/- 19 cm (p <0.05 vs baseline), yielding adenosine/baseline ratios of 2.4 +/- 0.9 and 2.0 +/- 0.7, respectively, which was consistent with normal flow reserve. The diastolic flow velocity reserve response was inversely related to baseline diastolic flow (r = -0.69). In conclusion, MIDCAB can be associated with a high rate of LIMA potency and favorable physiologic Doppler flow patterns. Correlation of these findings to long-term patient outcome after MIDCAB is warranted.     

Myocardial revascularization using both internal mammary arteries. Clinical results and surgical strategy

To improve the benefits from coronary artery grafting with internal mammary artery (IMA) several technical manoeuvres and methods have been developed to increase the number of coronary arteries and their branches that can be bypassed with internal mammary arteries. Between November 1985 and December 1986, 50 patients underwent a surgical myocardial revascularization procedure using both internal mammary arteries by single or sequential anastomoses and supplemental saphenous vein graft. In 42% of these patients complete revascularization was achieved employing only internal mammary artery grafts. One hundred and twenty-six internal mammary artery grafts (77% of the total coronary bypass performed), were placed. One patient developed perioperative myocardial infarction. Reparative surgery to control immediate post-operative bleeding was required in two patients. Post-operative coronary angiography performed in 30 patients showed all patent internal mammary artery grafts but one. No late deaths occurred. Mean follow-up of 10 months was complete in 50 patients, of whom 94% are symptom free. We conclude that bilateral internal mammary artery grafting can be performed with low operative risk and can provide excellent long-term functional improvement and survival employing only high patency arterial conduit. Moreover, it doesn't significantly increase surgical morbidity.     

Sequential radial artery grafting three-vessel coronary artery disease

Our objective was to compare the results of revascularization by sequential radial artery (RA) grafting with a left anterior descending left internal mammary artery (LIMA)-RA t-composite grafting technique. Patients were grouped as those with proximal anastomoses performed on the ascending aorta (Group A; n = 38), and those with proximal anastomoses performed on the LIMA as t-grafts (Group T; n = 13). Neither of the two groups revealed any mortality. The average number of grafts was lower in Group T (2.23 +/- 0.43 in group T and 2.85 +/- 0.69 in group A, p < 0.05). The results of the control coronary artery angiographies were superior in Group A. The patency rate of the RA grafts was 96.8% in Group A. Of the 20 distal anastomoses performed with RA grafts in 8 patients from Group T, nine (45%) were found to be patent. The patency rates of RA grafts with sequential distal anastomoses were found to be better when the proximal anastomosis was performed on the ascending aorta rather than on the LIMA. In conclusion, sequential distal anastomosis of RA grafts seem to be safe and effective when proximal anastomoses are performed on the ascending aorta.     

Triple arterial coronary revascularization using the radial artery and bilateral internal mammary arteries versus the gastroepiploic artery and bilateral internal mammary arteries.

Arterial grafts are frequently used in modern coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the benefit of the 2 internal mammary arteries (IMA) has already been established. However, the choice of the third arterial conduit, in addition to the IMA, is controversial. We have retrospectively analized perioperative and the follow-up results of patients who underwent CABG with triple arterial bypass using either the radial artery (RA) or the gastroepiploic artery (GEA) in conjunction with the bilateral IMA (BIMA). Between December 1995 and June 2001, 1,516 consecutive isolated CABG operations were performed at Shin-Tokyo Hospital. Among them the RA and BIMA were used in 96 patients (78 males, 18 females; mean age, 63.2+/-6.7 years, group R), and the GEA and BIMA in 123 patients (101 males, 22 females; mean age, 61.0+/-11.6 years, group G). Their perioperative and follow-up data were studied. The preoperative risk factors were similar between the 2 groups, except that there were significantly fewer patients with renal dysfunction in group R. The surgical results did not differ between the 2 groups; however, the GEA was more commonly used for revascularization of the right coronary artery, while the RA was used for the diagonal, circumflex or right coronary arteries. Surgical mortality and morbidity rates were not significantly different. During the follow-up period of 2.3+/-1.6 years, the event-free rates as well as the survival rates were not significantly different. CABG with either the RA or the GEA in conjunction with the BIMA can be performed safely. The surgical results as well as the follow-up results were acceptable and no significant differences between the 2 groups were observed.     

One-year clinical outcomes after complete arterial coronary revascularization

BACKGROUND: Conventional coronary bypass surgery applies single internal mammary arteries and saphenous vein graft conduits for revascularization of occluded coronary arteries. While the use of saphenous vein grafts is limited by early graft occlusion, little data exist on clinical experiences with complete arterial revascularization. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From January 2003 to July 2004, 390 patients were transferred from Red Cross Hospital Cardiology Center to the Rotenburg Cardiovascular Center for coronary bypass operation. From these patients, 200 were selected for complete arterial revascularization. Mean age of the patients was 66.7+/- 8.0 years; 80.5% were male; 68.5% had triple-vessel disease, 31% had two-vessel disease, and 0.5% had single-vessel disease; 32% were diabetic; and 6.5% had a previous bypass operation. Left ventricular ejection fraction was >50% in 85.5% and 30-50% in 14.5%. Double internal mammary artery grafts were used in 98% and single internal mammary artery grafts in 2%. In 51%, the right internal mammary artery was connected with the left internal mammary artery as a T-graft and in 17%, it was used as a free aortocoronary graft. Radial artery grafts were used in 4%. The average number of anastomoses per patient was 3.4. RESULTS: During the primary in-hospital stay, 1.5% of the patients had to undergo reoperation, 3.5% had myocardial infarctions, 3.5% had wound healing complications, 1.0% experienced an ischemic stroke, and 1 patient died following an acute myocardial infarction. At 12 months, 1.0% underwent percutaneous reinterventions, 0.5% had to be reoperated, 0.5% had a myocardial infarction, and 1.0% died. The actuarial survival rate at 12 months was 99%. CONCLUSION: When both the internal mammary arteries are used as the preferred surgical strategy, complete arterial revascularization can be performed with excellent clinical results over 12 months.     

乳内动脉─冠状动脉旁路移植术──68例外科技术探讨

本文报告６８例乳内动脉（ＩＭＡ）冠状动脉（冠脉）旁路移植术。手术均在中度低温体外循环下进行，心肌保护主要采用Ｓｔ．Ｔｈｏｍａｓ液经主动脉根部间断灌注，冠脉病变较重者加用冠状静脉窦持续逆灌。８例患者只用ＩＭＡ移植，６０例患者还同时用自体大隐静脉，应用左侧ＩＭＡ６６例，双侧ＩＭＡ２例，２例患者应用左侧ＩＭＡ作续贯式移植。ＩＭＡ与冠脉的吻合部位包括前降支６６例、对角支４例、右冠脉１例、回旋支１例。以冠脉吻合口计算，平均每例作２．８个吻合口。同期左室室壁瘤切除５例，冠脉内膜剥脱１４例。７例需安装主动脉内球囊反搏。术后３０天内死亡１例，手术死亡率１．４％，死亡原因为脑缺氧昏迷。手术存活的６７例中，６２例近期心绞痛症状消失，５例明显减轻；活动量均明显增加。远期结果有待进一步观察。结论：只要掌握好ＩＭＡ的游离和吻合技术，中国人应用ＩＭＡ作冠脉旁路移植术能取得满意的结果。     

Percutaneous revascularization of the internal mammary artery graft: short- and long-term outcomes

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the short- and long-term clinical outcomes after percutaneous revascularization of the internal mammary artery (IMA) graft. BACKGROUND: Previous reports in a relatively small number of patients have indicated the safety of balloon angioplasty for the treatment of stenoses in the IMA graft. However, the use of alternative interventional techniques and their long-term results have not yet been evaluated. METHODS: We analyzed the in-hospital and one-year clinical outcomes of 174 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous revascularization of 202 lesions located in the IMA graft, by either balloon angioplasty or stenting. RESULTS: Anastomotic lesions were evident in 128 cases (63%), and they were more commonly treated with balloon angioplasty (116/128, 91%), whereas lesions located at the ostium (n = 16, 8%) were more frequently treated with stents (11/16, 69%). Procedural success was 97% with excellent in-hospital outcome: 0.6% mortality rate, no Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) and 0.6% rate of urgent bypass surgery. Cumulative one-year rates were: mortality 4.4%, MI 2.9% and target lesion revascularization (TLR) 7.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization of the IMA graft can be performed safely, with high procedural success and a low rate of in-hospital complications. Long-term follow-up showed very low TLR rate.