Double versus single internal thoracic artery in coronary artery bypass grafting: role in sterna wound healing

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of double versus single internal thoracic artery on sterna wound healing in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods Patients undergoing CABG were randomly divided into experimental group (double internal thoracic artery group) and control group (single internal thoracic artery group) according to the number of internal thoracic artery used in operations. Experimental group: skeletonized double internal mammary arteries were harvested in all 50 cases (37 males and 13 females). Control group: skeletonized left internal mammary artery was harvested in all 50 cases (34 males and 16 females). Sterna wound healing and post-operational complications were observed. Results The incidence of poor sterna wound healing and volume of drainage after operation in the experimental group were more than those in the control group [volume of drainage on the first day: (350.67±56.86)ml vs (240.72±48.35)ml; total volume of drainage: (595.65±102.35)ml vs (398.85±75.84)ml; poor sterna wound healing rate: 20% vs 0; P<0.05 or P<0.01]. The sterna wound healing rate of high-risk patients between two groups had significant difference (8 cases vs 0 case, P<0.05). Conclusions Compared to the single internal mammary artery grafting, the double internal mammary artery grafting increased the risk of sternal wound healing. Key words: Coronary artery bypass/MT; Mammary arteries/SU; Sternum/IN/SU; Fracture healing