Blood flow in composite arterial grafts and effect of native coronary flow

Abstract

Background. Total arterial coronary revascularization can be achieved by joining arteries together as a composite graft with the proximal left internal mammary artery as the only source of blood inflow. Proof of the capacity of this composite conduit to provide adequate blood flow to the coronary circulation is required. Methods. The radial artery was anastomosed to the left internal mammary artery as a Y graft in 17 patients and all coronary arteries grafted. Intraoperative blood flow through the composite grafts was evaluated by the transit-time Doppler technique. Results. Against no resistance, blood flow in the left internal mammary artery alone was 99 ± 9 mL/min and rose to 173 ± 16 mL/..