Radial artery conduit for coronary revascularization: as good as an internal thoracic artery?
OBJECTIVE
Multiple arterial grafting has been proposed to improve outcomes after coronary bypass surgery. We sought to define the emerging role of the radial artery as an alternative second arterial graft.


RESULTS
Despite significant evidence suggesting superiority of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting, utilization in current clinical practice remains low due to concerns about sternal wound infection and conduit length. Recent clinical trials have started to clarify the role of the radial artery in coronary surgery. This conduit provides superior patency to saphenous vein grafts in the setting of high-grade stenosis regardless of the target territory and with minimal harvest site complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The radial artery is a versatile conduit that provides clinical benefit in a large variety of patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Outcomes from ongoing longitudinal clinical trials will further clarify optimal conduit selection strategies.
Desai
Nimesh D
ND
Division of Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, Schulich Heart Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.
Fremes
Stephen E
SE
D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008323:Mammary Arteries / Q000637:transplantation*; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000637:transplantation*