Right Internal Thoracic Artery Research Articles

Improvement of the outcome of the saphenous vein graft when connected to the internal thoracic artery.

Since 2000, we have been grafting the right coronary artery system (RCAs) using the proximal portion of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) as the inflow of the saphenous vein graft (SVG) to increase the number of patients undergoing beating heart complete myocardial revascularization. From 2000 to 2022, 928 consecutive patients underwent SVG on the RCAs. In 546 patients (58.8%), the inflow was the RITA (I-graft group), and in 382 patients (41.2%), the inflow was the aorta (Ao-graft group). The inclusion criteria were age ≤75 years, ejection fraction >35%, only one SVG per patient, bilateral internal thoracic arteries as a Y-graft on the left system (three-vessel disease, n = 817, 88.0%) or left internal thoracic artery on the left anterior descending artery and RITA + SVG on the RCAs (two-vessel disease, n = 111, 12.0%). Propensity matching identified 306 patients per group. After a median follow-up of 8 (5-10) years, graft patency was assessed by coronary computed tomographic angiography in 132 patients (64 in the I-graft group and 68 in the Ao-graft group). Early results were similar in both groups. The I-graft group had higher 10-year survival and freedom from main adverse cardiac events (90.0 ± 2.0 vs. 80.6 ± 3.8, p = 0.0162, and 81.3 ± 2.7 vs. 64.7 ± 5.6, p = 0.0206, respectively). When RITA was the inflow, SVG had a higher estimated 10-year patency rate (82.8% ± 6.5 vs. 58.8% ± 7.4, p = 0.0026) and a smaller inner lumen diameter (2.7 ± 0.4 vs. 3.4 ± 0.6 mm, p < 0.0001). When the inflow is the RITA, SVG grafted to the RCAs (I-graft) may result in a higher patency rate and better outcome than when the inflow is the ascending aorta (Ao-graft). The continuous supply of nitric oxide by RITA may be the cause of the higher patency rate of the I-graft, which can behave like an arterial conduit.

How to Use a Right Internal Thoracic Artery Graft in On- and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

In coronary artery bypass grafting, internal thoracic artery grafts and other arterial grafts have shown superior results compared with saphenous vein grafts. The right internal thoracic artery (RITA) has been reported as one of these various arterial graft options. However, there are some limitations and concerns associated with using the RITA. This review presents the current topics and scientific evidence on the use of RITA grafts in coronary artery bypass grafting. The reviewed papers mainly focus on the operative results of using the RITA, graft configurations and target vessels, and the comparison between on- or off-pump coronary artery bypass procedure. The results of these studies suggest the followings. The method of using the RITA (either in situ or as a free graft) should be selected based on the need to reach crucial targets and the number of required target vessels. A free RITA graft anastomosed to the aorta with modified proximal anastomosis allows for the revascularization of multiple vessels with acceptable flow characteristics. For revascularization of the right coronary artery system with low-grade proximal stenosis, the RITA should not be used. The decision to use cardiopulmonary bypass depends on the patient's condition, target vessels, as well as the experience of institution. Skeletonized harvesting is more effective in preventing sternal wound infections in coronary artery bypass grafting using bilateral internal thoracic arteries compared with using a single internal thoracic artery.

Competitive flow of bilateral internal thoracic artery Y-graft: Insights from hemodynamics and transit time flow measurement parameters

Recent studies have demonstrated the superior efficacy of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafts compared to other graft methods in treating coronary artery disease. Competitive flow (CF) is a primary factor contributing to graft failure in the long term. For the first time, the CF of the BITA-Y graft has undergone rigorous numerical analysis. Through the application of transit time flow measurement (TTFM) and hemodynamic parameters, this study provides a new perspective on graft performance. Simulation results indicate that average flow, TTFM, and hemodynamic parameters fall within the critical range for stenosis severities below 90%. Specifically, at 80% stenosis, the mean graft flow (MGF) and pulsatility index (PI) of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) were 0.071 cc/s and 27, respectively, while those of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) were 0.211 cc/s and 11. With increasing stenosis severity, TTFM parameters remained within the clinical permissible limit (MGF &amp;gt; 0.34 cc/s and PI &amp;lt; 5). At 95% stenosis severity, the MGF and PI for LITA were 0.526 cc/s and 1.2, respectively, while those for RITA were 0.790 cc/s and 0.9. The results indicate the presence of competitive flow within the BITA-Y graft for stenosis severities below 90% area reduction, suggesting a potential risk of graft failure in the long term. Additionally, the results indicated that when there are significant differences in stenosis severity between the two native arteries, the BITA-Y graft is not optimal due to CF, characterized by low MGF and high reverse flow.

The Best Second Arterial Conduit for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Individual Patient Data.

Multiple arterial conduit revascularization in coronary bypass surgery is being advocated over the use of venous conduits. However, there is a critical gap regarding the optimal sequence of arterial conduit selection following the left internal thoracic artery. This study is the first individual patient data meta-analysis, which aimed to compare the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) versus the radial artery (RA) as a second-best arterial conduit. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL. A forward-backward citation check was performed to identify other relevant studies. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42023455543). Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and propensity-score-matched cohort studies reporting long-term outcomes (>3 years) after coronary bypass surgery using the RITA versus RA as the second arterial conduit after left internal thoracic artery. Overall, long-term survival between the RITA and RA groups showed no significant difference. Landmark analyses demonstrated the superiority of RITA as a second arterial conduit at 1 [hazard ratio (HR): 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75-0.99), P = 0.036], 2 [0.83 (95% CI, 0.72-0.96), P = 0.011], and 5 years [HR: 0.80 (95% CI, 0.68-0.95), P = 0.036] post-surgery. Freedom from major cardiovascular events was significantly higher using the RITA conduit [HR: 0.72 (95% CI, 0.59-0.89), P = 0.002]. This study supports the use of RITA, especially when used in a skeletonized in situ fashion, as a second choice following the left internal thoracic artery as it has the potential to enhance long-term survival and outcomes. Further research with standardized surgical techniques is warranted.

The effect of an endovascular Heaney maneuver to achieve total hepatic isolation on survival, hemodynamic stability, retrohepatic bleeding, and collateral flow in a porcine model

PurposeCombining resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) and the inferior vena cava (REBOVC) with open surgery is a new hybrid approach for treating retrohepatic vena caval injuries. We compared endovascular total hepatic isolation with supraceliac REBOA ± suprahepatic REBOVC and no occlusion in experimental retrohepatic vena cava bleeding regarding survival, bleeding volume, hemodynamic stability, and arterial collateral blood flow.MethodsTwenty-five anesthetized pigs (n = 6–7/group) were randomized to REBOA; REBOA + REBOVC; REBOA + infra and suprahepatic REBOVC + portal vein occlusion (endovascular Heaney maneuver, four-balloon-occlusion, 4BO) or no occlusion. After balloon inflation, free bleeding was initiated from an open sheath in the retrohepatic vena cava. Bleeding volume, right internal thoracic artery (RITA) blood flow, hemodynamics, and arterial blood variables were measured until death or up to 90 min.ResultsThe REBOA group had a longer median survival time (63 min) compared with the 4BO (24 min, P = 0.02) and no occlusion (30 min, P = 0.02) groups, not versus the REBOA + REBOVC group (49 min, P > 0.05). The first 15 min accumulated bleeding was comparable in all groups (P > 0.05); Thereafter, bleeding volume was higher in the REBOA group versus the 4BO group (P < 0.05), not versus the other groups. RITA blood flow and MAP were higher in the REBOA group versus the other groups after 10 min of bleeding (P < 0.05).ConclusionsEndovascular Heaney maneuver was not beneficial for survival or hemodynamic stability in this porcine model, whereas supraceliac REBOA was. Anatomical differences in thoracoabdominal collaterals between pigs and humans must be considered when interpreting these results.

Robotic Totally Endoscopic Coronary Bypass to the Left Anterior Descending Artery: Left Versus Right Internal Thoracic Artery Grafts

IntroductionThe left internal thoracic artery (LITA) is most commonly used to bypass the left anterior descending artery (LAD) given its well-established mortality benefit. In some cases, the grafting strategy necessitates placing the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) on the LAD. We compared outcomes in our robotic beating-heart totally endoscopic coronary bypass surgery (TECAB) population between patients receiving LITA versus RITA-LAD grafts. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing robotic TECAB with skeletonized ITA conduits over 9 y. Outcomes were compared between those receiving LITA (Group-1) versus RITA (Group-2) grafts to the LAD (with/without other grafts). End points were early angiographic patency (in patients undergoing hybrid revascularization) and mid-term mortality/major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events. A propensity matched subanalysis was performed comparing only patients who received bilateral ITA grafting in each group. ResultsSociety of Thoracic Surgeons predicted mortality risk score was higher in Group-2. Group-1 patients had lower incidence of multivessel disease (75% versus 96%, P ≤ 0.001). Early overall graft patency (97% versus 96%, P = 0.718) and LAD graft patency (98% versus 95%, P = 0.372) were equivalent. At mean 42-mo follow-up (longest 8.5 y), Group-1 had lower all-cause mortality but no difference in cardiac mortality or repeat revascularization. In the propensity matched subanalysis, mid-term outcomes were equivalent. ConclusionsGrafting the LAD with the LITA or RITA during robotic beating-heart TECAB resulted in similar early outcomes and angiographic patency. RITA-LAD patients were more likely to have multivessel disease and higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk and had higher all-cause mortality at mid-term analysis but no difference in major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events, including cardiac mortality.

Rita-Rae (Right Internal Thoracic Artery to Radial Artery Extension): Experience With Total Arterial Revascularisation Without Aortic Anastomoses

Total arterial revascularisation using internal thoracic and radial arteries are emerging as desirable long-term solutions for triple vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Achieving this goal can sometimes be challenging due to a shortage of available arterial conduit, need for aortic anastomoses, limited length of conduits, and optimal use. This study explored a novel configuration of connecting the radial artery graft to the distal end of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) as an adjunct to the conventional left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending (LAD) graft.

Right-Sided Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass: Clinical Experience and Perspectives.

Objective: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) using the left internal thoracic artery to the left descending artery is a clinical routine in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Far less is known on right-sided MIDCAB (r-MIDCAB) using the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) to the right coronary artery (RCA). We aimed to present our experience in patients with complex coronary artery disease who underwent r-MIDCAB. Materials and Methods: Between October 2019 and January 2023, 11 patients received r-MIDCAB using RITA to RCA bypass in a minimally invasive technique via right anterior minithoracotomy without using a cardiopulmonary bypass. Underlying coronary disease was complex right coronary artery stenosis (n = 7) and anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA; n = 4). All procedure-related and outcome data were evaluated prospectively. Results: Successful minimally invasive revascularization was achieved in all patients (n = 11). There were no conversions to sternotomy and no re-explorations for bleeding. Furthermore, no myocardial infarction, no strokes, and, most importantly, no deaths were observed. During the follow-up period (median 24 months), all patients were alive and 90% were completely angina free. Two patients received a repeated revascularization after surgery but independently from the RITA-RCA bypass, which was fully competent in both patients. Conclusion: Right-sided MIDCAB can be performed safely and effectively in patients with expected technically challenging percutaneous coronary intervention of the RCA and in patients with ARCA. Mid-term results showed high freedom from angina in nearly all patients. Further studies with larger patient cohorts and more evidence are needed to provide the best revascularization strategy for patients suffering from isolated complex RCA stenosis and ARCA.

Use of the In Situ Right Internal Thoracic Artery as an Alternative Single-Inflow Source

BackgroundThis study was conducted to evaluate whether the in situ right internal thoracic artery (RITA) can be an effective alternative to the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) as a single-inflow source in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). MethodsBetween 2006 and 2018, 73 patients underwent CABG with the composite grafting based on the in situ RITA as a single-inflow source (the RITA group). Angiographic patency and clinical outcomes were evaluated. These were compared with results after CABG using the composite grafting based on the in situ LITA (the LITA group) by 1:1 propensity score matching. ResultsForty-three pairs were extracted by 1:1 propensity score matching. There were no significant intergroup differences in overall patency rates between the RITA and LITA groups at 1 year (92.2% [95/103] and 92.5% [111/120], respectively; P = .90) and 5 years (87.3% [48/55] and 90.4% [85/94], respectively; P = .58). There were no significant differences in the cumulative incidences of reintervention and major adverse cardiac events between the 2 groups (hazard ratio, 2.0 [95% CI, 0.33-11.97] and 1.50 [0.41-5.45], respectively). ConclusionsFive-year graft patency and long-term clinical outcomes after CABG using the composite grafting based on the in situ RITA were not significantly different from those after CABG using the LITA.

Treatment of Anomalous Coronary Arteries—Surgical Revascularisation Using the Pure Internal Thoracic Artery Technique

To evaluate the use of CABG utilising an isolated pedicled Right Internal Thoracic Artery (RITA) or Left Internal Thoracic Artery (LITA) or the Pure Internal Thoracic Artery (PITA) technique to treat anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery (AAOCA). A retrospective review of all patients at our institution over an 8-year period (2013-2021) who underwent surgery for AAOCA was performed. Data assessed included patient demographics, initial presentation, morphology of coronary anomaly, surgical procedure, cross-clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and long-term outcome. A total of 14 patients underwent surgery, including 11 males (78.5%) with a median logistic EuroSCORE of 1.605 (IQR 1.34). The median age was 62.5 years (IQR 48.75). Presentation was angina (7 patients), acute coronary syndrome (5 patients), incidental findings in aortic valve pathology (2 patients). AAOCA morphology varied: RCA from left coronary sinus (6), RCA from left main stem (3), left coronary artery from the right coronary sinus (1), left main stem arising from right coronary sinus (2) and circumflex artery arising from the right coronary sinus (2). Overall, 7 patients had co-existing flow-limiting coronary artery disease. CABG was performed using either a pedicled skeletonized RITA, LITA or PITA technique. There was no perioperative mortality. Overall median follow-up time was 43 months. One patient presented with recurrent angina secondary to graft failure at 2 years and there were two non-cardiac-related deaths at 4 and 35 months. The use of internal thoracic artery grafts can provide a durable treatment option in patients with anomalous coronary arteries. The potential risk of graft failure in patients with no flow-limiting disease should be very carefully considered. However, a proposed benefit of this technique is the use of a pedicle flow to increase the long-term patency. More consistent results are obtained when ischaemia can be demonstrated preoperatively.

Blood flow characteristics of the bilateral internal thoracic artery: implications of optimal graft configuration for coronary artery bypass grafting to maximize blood supply.

There is controversy regarding which internal thoracic artery (ITA) should be anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Here, we propose an optimal graft design based on measurement of blood flow in the ITA. Sixty-one patients (53 men, median age 68 [62-75] years) undergoing first elective coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled. Fifty-seven left ITAs (LITAs) and 28 right ITAs (RITAs) were harvested in either a semi-skeletonized manner using a harmonic scalpel covered with papaverine-soaked gauze (group-A, n = 45) or a fully skeletonized manner using electrocautery with intraluminal papaverine injection (group-B, n = 41). Free flow of 33 ITAs was measured after pharmacological dilatation and in situ ITA-LAD flow was measured in 59 patients by transit-time flowmetry. RITA and LITA free flow were 147.0 [87.8-213.0] mL/min and 108.0 [90.0-144.0] mL/min, respectively (P = 0.199). The group-B had significantly higher ITA free flow (135.0 [102.0-171.0] mL/min) than group-A (63.0 [36.0-96.0] mL/min, P = 0.009). In 13 patients with bilateral ITA harvesting, free flow of the RITA (138.0 [79.5-204.0] mL/min) was also significantly higher than the LITA (102.0 [81.0-138.0] mL/min, P = 0.046). There was no significant difference between RITA and LITA flow anastomosed to the LAD. The group-B had significantly higher ITA-LAD flow (56.5 [32.3-73.6] mL/min) than group-A (40.9 [20.1-53.7] mL/min, P = 0.023). RITA provides significantly higher free flow than LITA but similar blood flow to the LAD. Full skeletonization with intraluminal papaverine injection maximizes both free flow and ITA-LAD flow.

Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement Through Lateral Mini-Thoracotomy - Feasibility and Effectiveness.

Minimally invasive sutureless aortic valve replacement with the Perceval bioprosthetic heart valve (MISUAVR) is commonly performed through a right anterior thoracotomy (AT). However, a lateral thoracotomy (LT) may be superior as it does not require rib and right internal thoracic artery (RITA) cutting.Methods and Results: In total, 38 MISUAVRs performed from May 2019 to approximately August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed; 21 through LT (Group L), and 17 through AT (Group A). In Group L, the skin incision was made on the right anterior axillary line and third intercostal space, and in group A, on the right anterior chest and second or third intercostal space. All other surgical techniques were the same. Age, body surface area, EuroSCORE II, and ejection fraction were similar between the patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass (L: 82±19 vs. A: 93±28 min, P=0.19) and cross-clamp times (L: 57±13, vs. A: 64±23 min, P=0.19) were similar. Rib and/or RITA cutting were required in 94.6% of patients in group A and in none of group L (P<0.001). Surgical visualization score was better in group L (L: 1.19±0.40 vs. A: 1.94±0.69, P<0.01). Total amount of intraoperative bleeding was lower in group L (L: 623±141 vs. A: 838±316 mL, P<0.01). Duration of hospital stay was similar (P=0.30). MISUAVR through LT has multiple advantages over AT.

Efficacy and safety of endovascular therapy for delayed hepatic artery post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage: development of extrahepatic collateral circulation and complications of post endovascular therapy

BackgroundEndovascular therapy (ET) for delayed hepatic artery post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (HA-PPH) may require complete hepatic artery occlusion (HAO). Nonetheless, the development of extrahepatic collateral circulation (EHC) and the relationship between radiological factors (EHC, portal vein stenosis, and HAO) and adverse hepatic events after ET remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ET for delayed PPH and examine the development of EHC.MethodsA total of 19 ET cases for delayed HA-PPH were reviewed. Hepatic adverse events, portal vein stenosis, HAO, and mortality rate after ET were evaluated. Moreover, EHC from the left gastric artery (LGA), right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA), left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA), right internal thoracic artery (RITA), left internal thoracic artery (LITA), renal artery (RA), omental artery (OA), intercostal artery (IA), and branch of superior mesenteric artery (BSMA) was assessed using angiogram and computed tomography angiography (CTA).ResultsAll cases were successfully treated using transcatheter arterial embolization (n = 17) and stent-graft placement (n = 2) without mortality. EHC from the LGA (8/19), RIPA (10/19), LIPA (4/19), and RITA (3/19) was observed on post-ET CTA. The incidence of hepatic adverse events was significant in the group with both HAO and portal vein stenosis (p < 0.001) and absence of EHC from LIPA and RITA (p < 0.05).ConclusionET for delayed HA-PPH might be effective and safe. While avoiding both HAO and portal vein stenosis is important, the development of EHCs from LIPA and RITA may prevent hepatic adverse events after ET.

Bypass Grafting to Circumflex: Left Internal Thoracic Artery versus Saphenous Vein.

This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) and in situ left internal thoracic artery (LITA) grafts to the left circumflex artery (LCX) territory. This study included 678 patients who underwent LITA-left anterior descending (LAD) + SVG-LCX grafts and 286 patients who underwent right internal thoracic artery (RITA)-LAD + in situ LITA-LCX grafts from January 2002 to December 2020. Short-term and long-term clinical outcomes were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment to reduce selection bias. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher for the SVG-LCX group (p = 0.008), whereas deep sternal wound infection was significantly higher in the LITA-LCX group (p = 0.013).Survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 83.12 and 71.45% in the SVG-LCX group, whereas 75.24 and 65.54% in the LITA-LCX group (log-rank p = 0.114). Rates of freedom from cardiac events at 5 and 10 years were 92.82 and 85.24% in the SVG-LCX group, whereas 94.89 and 89.46% in the LITA-LCX group (log-rank p = 0.179).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that proximal severe stenosis was significantly protective against graft dysfunction before discharge (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.81). Deep sternal wound infection was significantly higher for LITA to LCX bypass whereas in-hospital mortality was higher for SVG to LCX. In situ LITA to LCX bypass grafting exhibited similar long-term outcomes with SVG to LCX bypass grafting in adjusted patient cohorts. Proximal severe stenosis of LCX was protective against graft dysfunction.

Radial artery versus saphenous vein versus right internal thoracic artery for coronary artery bypass grafting.

We used individual patient data from 4 of the largest contemporary coronary bypass surgery trials to evaluate differences in long-term outcomes when radial artery (RA), right internal thoracic artery (RITA) or saphenous vein graft (SVG) are used to complement the left internal thoracic artery-to-left anterior descending graft. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke). Propensity score matching and Cox regression were used to reduce the effect of treatment selection bias and confounders. A total of 10256 patients (1510 RITA; 1385 RA; 7361 SVG) were included. The matched population consisted of 1776 propensity score-matched triplets. The mean follow-up was 7.9 ± 0.1, 7.8 ± 0.1 and 7.8 ± 0.1 years in the RITA, RA and SVG cohorts respectively. All-cause mortality was significantly lower in the RA versus the SVG [hazard ratio (HR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51-0.76, P = 0.003] and the RITA group (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.48-0.71, P = 0.001). Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event rate was also lower in the RA group versus the SVG (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.90, P = 0.04) and the RITA group (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.65-0.86, P = 0.02). Results were consistent in the Cox-adjusted analysis and solid to hidden confounders. In this pooled analysis of 4 large coronary bypass surgery trials, the use of the RA was associated with better clinical outcomes when compared to SVG and RITA.

Angiographic Patency of Coronary Artery Bypass Conduits: An Updated Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

IntroductionThe second best conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting is uncertain. The objective of this study is to determine the second best conduit according to graft patency results from randomized controlled trials using a network meta-analysis.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted for randomized controlled trials comparing the angiographic patency rate of the no-touch saphenous vein (NT-SV), the radial artery (RA), the right internal thoracic artery (RITA), and the gastroepiploic artery (GEA) in reference to the conventionally harvested saphenous vein (CON-SV). The primary outcome was graft occlusion, and the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality.ResultsA total of 859 studies were retrieved, of which 18 were included. A total of 6,543 patients and 8,272 grafts were analyzed. The weighted mean angiographic follow-up time was 3.5 years. Compared with CON-SV, RA (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.74) and NT-SV (IRR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.44-0.70) demonstrated lower graft occlusion. NT-SV and RA were ranked as the best conduits (rank score for NT-SV 0.88 vs. 0.87 for RA, 0.29 for GEA, 0.27 for CON-SV, and 0.20 for RITA). There was no significant difference in late mortality between different conduit types.ConclusionRA and NT-SV are associated with significantly lower graft occlusion rates and are comparably ranked as the best conduit for patency.

Right Internal Thoracic Artery Patency Is Affected More by Target Choice Than Conduit Configuration

BackgroundAlthough coronary artery bypass grafting using bilateral internal thoracic arteries (ITA) maximizes long-term survival, knowledge of the effect of different right ITA (RITA) inflow configurations on graft patency is limited. We have compared RITA occlusion among these configurations and identified its risk factors while adjusting for outflow coronary target location. MethodsFrom January 1972 to January 2016, of 7092 patients undergoing bilateral ITA grafting at a single center, 1331 received one ITA to the left anterior descending coronary artery and had one or more evaluable postoperative coronary angiograms: 835 (63%) in situ, 496 free RITA grafts (311 [63%] originating from aorta; 98 [20%] left ITA [LITA], 76 [15%] saphenous vein graft, 11 [2%] radial graft). RITA occlusion reported on 1983 angiograms performed a median of 5.8 years later was estimated using nonlinear mixed-effects longitudinal modeling. ResultsRITA patency was 90% at 1 year, 87% at 5 years, and 86% at 10 and 15 years. At 15 years, in situ RITA patency was 91% and free RITA patency from aorta was 91%, LITA 89%, and saphenous vein graft 77%. After adjusting for coronary target location and degree of stenosis, occlusion was similar in free RITAs from aorta (P = .15), LITA (P = .4), saphenous vein grafts (P = .13), and in situ RITAs. However, RITAs grafted to the left anterior descending coronary artery had fewer occlusions (P < .001), with patency similar to LITAs. ConclusionsAmong patients with bilateral ITA grafting requiring interval coronary angiography, long-term RITA patency was high and independent of its inflow configuration. Therefore, priority should be a RITA configuration optimizing its reach to important coronary targets, including the left anterior descending coronary artery.

Stress testing-guided assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts patency, at 6 months of follow up. A prospective study

Purpose: To assess the coronary bypass grafts patency and the repeat revascularization rate, six months after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: We prospectively enrolled 145 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG between June 2014 and June 2016. We performed at 6 months of follow up a coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients whose stress tests were negative and an invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in the opposite case. Results: A total of 134 CTA and 11 ICA were performed, allowing the analysis of 321 grafts, including 143 left internal thoracic arteries (LITA), 89 right internal thoracic arteries (RITA) and 89 saphenous veins grafts (SVG). The average graft patency was 95.1% for LITA, 84.3% for RITA and 64% for SVG. The best patencies were obtained when these grafts were anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery (LAD): 96.3% for LITA, and 87.5% for RITA. SVG patency was homogeneous whether between the main right coronary artery and its branches (63.4% versus 65% respectively. p = 1), or between circumflex and RCA (72.7% versus. 63.9% respectively. p=0.6). On the right and circumflex coronary arteries, the patency of the SVG was significantly lower than that of RITA (66.26% versus 83.95% respectively, p = 0.011). At 6 months of follow up, the repeat revascularization rate was 2.07% (n=3/145). Conclusions: 6 months after CABG, RITA and LITA had good patencies especially on LAD, while SVG was occluded in almost a third of cases. On the circumflex and right coronary arteries, SVG patency was significantly lower than that of RITA. Keywords: Coronary Artery Bypass; Exercise Testing; Coronary Angiography; Computed Tomography Angiograph

Multi-arterial Coronary Grafting

Arterial conduits, especially internal thoracic arteries (ITAs), are rarely affected by intimal hyperplasia or atherosclerosis, major contributors to early and late vein graft failure. Improved survival and freedom from reintervention with multi-arterial grafting (MAG) are reported in large observational studies, particularly when more than one anatomically important coronary territory is supplied. Several grafting configurations are possible depending on conduit and target characteristics, with the left ITA to the left anterior descending (LITA-LAD) typically being the cornerstone around which the rest of the conduits are constructed. The right ITA (RITA) or radial artery (RA) is used to bypass the second most important target after the LAD. The fundamentals of MAG depend on thorough preoperative evaluation, meticulous surgical technique and intraoperative flow assessment. Pitfalls to avoid include tension in short conduits or kinks in longer ones, poor ITA inflow, competitive native and graft flow, flow imbalance between segments of a composite graft, and sequentially grafting deep intramyocardial targets. Versatility and flexibility are critical in mitigating difficulties or potential complications in MAG. Refinements in complex bilateral ITA (BITA) and RA grafting require a deliberate iterative process that ideally incorporates dedicated training and mentorship by experienced MAG surgeons. Arterial conduits, especially internal thoracic arteries (ITAs), are rarely affected by intimal hyperplasia or atherosclerosis, major contributors to early and late vein graft failure. Improved survival and freedom from reintervention with multi-arterial grafting (MAG) are reported in large observational studies, particularly when more than one anatomically important coronary territory is supplied. Several grafting configurations are possible depending on conduit and target characteristics, with the left ITA to the left anterior descending (LITA-LAD) typically being the cornerstone around which the rest of the conduits are constructed. The right ITA (RITA) or radial artery (RA) is used to bypass the second most important target after the LAD. The fundamentals of MAG depend on thorough preoperative evaluation, meticulous surgical technique and intraoperative flow assessment. Pitfalls to avoid include tension in short conduits or kinks in longer ones, poor ITA inflow, competitive native and graft flow, flow imbalance between segments of a composite graft, and sequentially grafting deep intramyocardial targets. Versatility and flexibility are critical in mitigating difficulties or potential complications in MAG. Refinements in complex bilateral ITA (BITA) and RA grafting require a deliberate iterative process that ideally incorporates dedicated training and mentorship by experienced MAG surgeons. Corrigendum: Multi-arterial Coronary GraftingOperative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryVol. 27Issue 4PreviewThe authors regret that in the article “Multi-arterial Coronary Grafting” by Rami Akhrass and Faisal G. Bakaeen in the Summer 2022 issue (27(2):126-146, 2022; https://doi.org/10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2021.09.001 ), (Figures 2 and 10) included an error with the course of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA). The corrected figures are included on the next 2 pages. Figure 2 was used as the cover image for the issue. In both Figures 2 and 10, the RITA should be anterior to the superior vena cava and posterior to the pulmonary artery. Full-Text PDF Commentary: Multiple Arterial Grafting for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Choosing the Right Conduits for The Right Vessels for The Right PatientsOperative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryVol. 27Issue 2PreviewDespite the known increased patency of arterial versus saphenous vein graft (SVG) conduits for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery, a recent Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) national database study showed that while a single internal thoracic artery (SITA) graft was used in 89.4% of CABG patients, only 10.6% received multiple arterial grafts (MAG) and only 4.9% had bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts (BITA).1 What are the factors that have discouraged surgeons from embracing MAG and BITA grafting? In a 2018 national survey from the United Kingdom, almost one third of surgeons cited the lack of evidence in favor of MAG and BITA as a limiting factor for not adopting these techniques in their practices. Full-Text PDF Commentary: Time to Set New Standards for Coronary Bypass Surgery?Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryVol. 27Issue 2PreviewAsk any cardiac surgeon who started their training in 90s, and you'll find that many of them, at some point, must have thought that surgical coronary revascularization was ill-fated. Especially in the mid 2000s, when drug-eluting stents appeared on the market and furtherly improved the outcomes of percutaneous revascularization1... God knew what would come next! History - and clinical trials - proved them wrong: almost 20 years later, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still the most common procedure in adult cardiac surgery and remains the gold standard for treatment of complex triple vessel disease and left main disease, particularly in younger patients and in case of diabetes or reduced left ventricular function. Full-Text PDF

Graft Patency of a Second Conduit for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

It has been well documented that the use of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to graft the left anterior descending (LAD) artery has a significant benefit in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. However, what graft is the best as a second conduit to complement LITA-LAD anastomosis remains uncertain. We thus conducted a network meta-analysis of RCTs to compare graft patency of the radial artery (RA), the right internal thoracic artery (RITA), the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA), conventional saphenous vein (C-SVG), and no-touch saphenous vein (NT-SVG) as a second conduit in CABG. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through August 31, 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated graft patency of a second conduit in CABG. From each study, we extracted the incidence rate ratios of the outcome. A total of 13 RCTs were identified, including 3728 patients and 2773 angiographic results. The graft failure rates were significantly lower in NT-SVG and RA compared to C-SVG and RGEA. There was no significant difference among the other comparisons. A sensitivity analysis restricting trials with ≥3 years angiographic follow-up time showed the graft failure rates were significantly lower in NT-SVG and RA compared to C-SVG and RGEA, and a sensitivity analysis restricting trials with ≥5 years angiographic follow-up time showed the graft failure rates were significantly lower in NT-SVG and RA compared to C-SVG. In a network meta-analysis of the updated outcomes from RCTs, NT-SVG and RA have better graft patency compared to C-SVG and RGEA.