title: Evaluation of ITA Graft Function Using CT Angiography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A less invasive method to assess internal thoracic artery (ITA) graft function after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is desired. This study reports the novel method to estimate ITA graft function using CT angiography.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty ITA grafts were assessed. Hounsfield Unit transition of each graft on the same cross section was detected during the Test Bolus Injection, which led to the making of a time density curve (TDC), for each ITA. Variables from the TDC were compared statistically with data obtained from Pulse Doppler Echo (PDE), the best indicator of graft function, of ITA grafts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ascending slope of the TDC was significantly associated with the following PDE data: Velocity time integral (VTI), VTI × Heart Rate (HR) and Mean Flow of ITA graft. A multivariate analysis showed an especially strong relationship with the ascending slope of the TDC and VTI × HR (R(2) = 0.588).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ascending slope of the TDC means the concentration transition of contrast media, which may be affected by the blood stream in the ITA graft. This study suggests the possibility of the ability to assess ITA graft function by CT angiography.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan ; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tomishiro Central Hospital, Tomigusuku, Okinawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hashimoto
authors.forename: Akihiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yamauchi
authors.forename: Shuichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naraoka
authors.forename: Satomi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Inoue
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Higami
keywords: coronary artery bypass grafting; ct angiography; ita graft function; time density curve
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