Early postoperative control of anastomoses of the arteria thoracica interna with coronary arteries through intra-arterial DSA

Early postoperative angiographic control is important for prognosis and medical therapy for patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Grafts from the internal mammary artery had been shown to be superior to venous bypasses for anastomoses to the left anterior decending coronary artery. Thus, the need for angiographic demonstration of graft patency and function is increasing. We report on the angiographic analyses of 73 patients after left internal mammary artery (LIMA) bypass surgery by filling of the graft via retrograde injection of contrast medium into the left brachialic artery. In all cases the bypass, anastomosis and downstream vessel were clearly visualised. No complications or side effects were observed. (orig.)