Retrocaval routing of the right internal thoracic artery.
Enhanced use of the right internal thoracic artery affords further opportunity for myocardial revascularization using predominantly arterial conduits. High proximal dissection and routing of the right internal thoracic artery behind the superior vena cava can sometimes allow additional length to the right internal thoracic artery pedicle to facilitate the grafting of posterior and lateral coronary arteries via a less circuitous, more protected route.
Pliam
M B
MB
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, San Francisco Heart Institute, Seton Medical Center, Daly City, California 94015.
Zapolanski
A
A
D006801:Humans; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization / Q000379:methods*; D013895:Thoracic Arteries / Q000601:surgery*