Long-term results of the radial artery used for myocardial revascularization.
BACKGROUND
No information is available on the long-term results of radial artery (RA) grafts used as coronary artery bypass conduits.


RESULTS
In this report, we describe the long-term (105+/-9 months) angiographic results of a series of 90 consecutive patients in whom the RA was used as a coronary artery bypass conduit directly anastomosed to the ascending aorta. The long-term patency and perfect patency rates of the RA were 91.6% and 88%, respectively, versus 97.5% and 96.3% for internal thoracic artery grafts. The severity of stenosis of the target vessel clearly influenced long-term RA patency, whereas location of the target vessel and long-term use of calcium channel blockers did not influence angiographic results. Preserved endothelial function and absence of flow-limiting, fibrous, intimal hyperplasia were also documented.


CONCLUSIONS
Ten years after surgery, RA grafts have excellent patency and perfect patency rates. Appropriate surgical technique and correct indication are the key factors for long-term RA patency.
Possati
Gianfederico
G
Department of Cardiac Surgery, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. possati@tiscali.it
Gaudino
Mario
M
Prati
Francesco
F
Alessandrini
Francesco
F
Trani
Carlo
C
Glieca
Franco
F
Mazzari
Mario A
MA
Luciani
Nicola
N
Schiavoni
Giovanni
G
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000637:transplantation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers