RADIAL-ARTERY GASTROEPIPLOIC-ARTERY COMPOSITE GRAFT FOR REDO CABG

The location of the gastroepiploic artery makes it strategically usefu l for isolated revascularization of the inferior surface of the heart. In comparison with the radial artery, however, the usefulness of the gastroepiploic artery is limited by its progressively smaller caliber with mobilization and its greater tendency for vasospasm. I describe a case of radial artery-to-proximal gastroepiploic artery anastomosis t o revascularize the right coronary artery in a patient requiring redo coronary artery bypass grafting. (C) 1997 by The Society of Thoracic S urgeons.