Importance of the internal thoracic artery as the source of collateral circulation in CABG patients with Leriche Syndrome

In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) the use of the internal thoracic artery (ITA), is a Class I indication for the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an important complicator of CABG, present in about one-third of the patients with coronary disease. In Leriche Syndrome, ITA can be the source of collateral circulation for arteries below the level of occlusion. Its inadvertent use can lead to serious ischemic complications in the dependent territories. (author)