USE OF THE RADIAL ARTERY FOR MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION

Background. The radial artery was first used as a coronary graft by Ca rpentier and associates in 1973 but, due to the disappointing results, it was abandoned. In 1992 its revival coincided with the widespread u se of calcium-channel blockers in cardiovascular surgery, in the belie f they could prevent spasm. Methods. From January 1993 to October 1995 we operated on 109 patients for myocardial revascularization employin g the radial artery with two different surgical techniques: in 95 pati ents (group 1) it was ''pretreated'' by opening its fascia after a gen tle hydrostatic dilation and then anastomosed to the aorta; in 14 pati ents (group 2) it was branched to another conduit. We had two operativ e deaths (1.82%). Results. At a mean interval of 532.42 days 105 patie nts are still alive, 2 (1.86%) having died of abdominal tumors. Fifty- six patients (52.33%) underwent angiography at a mean interval of 334. 42 days: the patency of the radial artery was 88.88% in group 1 and 62 .50% in group 2. Indications and contraindications are discussed. Conc lusions. The radial artery is an easily manageable conduit whose early patency is very promising, although a longer follow-up is mandatory.