Protective wrapping of the internal thoracic artery

Injury of a patent internal thoracic artery bypass graft in a patient durin g cardiac reoperation could have catastrophic results. In selected patients who have primary coronary artery bypass grafting using the internal thorac ic artery, we wrap the artery pedicle with an expanded polytetrafluoroethyl ene membrane to facilitate identification and to protect it during reoperat ion. No occlusions or other complications related to use of the membrane ha ve occurred. (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.