Arterial grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting: Biological characteristics, functional classification, and clinical choice

Various arterial grafts have been used for coronary artery bypass grafting, but a unanimous opinion on how to best use these grafts has not been forme d. Arterial grafts are not uniform in their biological characteristics. Dif ferences between the perioperative behavior of the grafts and their long-te rm patency may be related to different characteristics. These characteristi cs should be taken into account in the use of arterial grafts, some of whic h are subject to more active pharmacologic intervention during and after op eration to obtain satisfactory results. Clinical choice of grafts must be b ased on the general condition of the patient, the biological characteristic s of the graft, the anatomy of the coronary artery, the match between the c oronary artery and the graft, and technical considerations, including antis pastic management. (Ann Thorac Surg 1999;67:277-84) (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.