Are all forms of total arterial revascularization equal? A comparison of single versus bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting strategies

Abstract

Objective Total arterial revascularization (TAR) with internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) and radial arteries (RA) is associated with greater long-term survival compared with the use of a single internal thoracic artery supplemented by veins. The optimal conduit choice and configuration in achieving TAR remains controversial, with uncertainty regarding the individual prognostic impact of ITAs and RAs. As such, among patients solely undergoing TAR, we compared long-term survival between patients receiving single thoracic arteries and those receiving bilateral ITAs. Methods From 1995 to 2010, 2821 patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease at 8 centers underwent primary isolated coronary art..