Intercostal artery: study to assess its suitability as a coronary bypass grafting vessel

Abstract

Objective To assess potential suitability of the intercostal artery as a conduit in coronary bypass graft.Methods Collected 36 cases of chinese adult thoracic aorta CTA original cross-sectional images,the images were retrospectively reconstructed under volume rendering technology (VR),multi-planar reconstruction (MPR),curved planar reformation (CPR) and maximum intensity projection(MIP).Observed and measured the data of the 8th,9th and 10th bilateral intercostal arteries and internal thoracic arteries.Results Toshiba 320-slice volume scanning CT can clearly display the intercostal arteries.The average length and diameter at corresponding point of the left and right 8-10th intercostal artery is similar,all the length is longer than 180 mm,and the diameter at axillary line is all bigger than 2.1 mm,the mean length of right intercostal arteries is slightly longer than the left intercostal arteries,the diameter at each corresponding point of left and right intercostal artery is similar,and equivalent to approximately 85％-90％ of internal thoracic artery.Conclusion Intercostal artery can be used as an ideal alternative vessel in coronary artery bypass grafting. Key words: Coronary artery bypass grafting; Internal mammary-coronary artery anastomosis; Intercostal artery