Thoracic Key

Introduction There are two reasons to construct “baby Y grafts.” 1. to allow distal graft to coronary anastomosis to be constructed in the best possible site in the coronary (vessel…

Introduction The most common conduits used during coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) include saphenous venous grafts (SVGs), internal mammary artery (IMA), radial artery (RA), and gastroepiploic artery (GEA) . Regardless…

Introduction Notwithstanding the increasing number of interventional coronary procedures performed worldwide, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) still remain the treatment of choice for patients with moderate to complex coronary artery…

10 essential principles when constructing a coronary anastomosis 1. Avoid any manipulation of the endothelium. 2. Use both hands: for a right-handed surgeon, the left hand provides exposure while the…

Introduction The traditional method of open vein harvesting (OVH) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with a single longitudinal incision on the lower extremity along the course of the greater…

Introduction The first known use of the right GEA to supply blood to the heart was described by Bailey for implantation into the posterior territory of the heart in the…

Introduction The excellent long-term outcomes obtained in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the internal thoracic artery (ITA) as a graft conduit are clearly established . Observational reports suggested improved…

Introduction The internal thoracic artery (ITA), namely, the left ITA (LITA), is arguably the most vital conduit for the conduct of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) due to its superior…

Introduction Since the landmark paper from Loop et al. in 1986, the use of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) for revascularization of the left anterior ascending (LAD) artery is…

Introduction The radial artery (RA) has been used in coronary artery bypass grafting since it was first introduced into clinical practice in the 1970s by Carpentier . It is a…