Use of a new diagnostic catheter for transradial internal mammary artery angiography early after minimally invasive coronary bypass

We describe a new diagnostic catheter specifically designed for selective c atheterization of the left internal mammary artery via the ipsilateral radi al approach. We used this catheter to assess the patency of the distal mamm ary-left anterior descending coronary artery anastomosis in 30 consecutive patients early after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass graft ing. The new catheter design allowed easy and fast engagement of the left i nternal mammary artery leading to optimal vessel opacification in all cases . Angiography revealed graft problems in seven (23.3%) patients, two of who m required anastomosis revision, surgical in one case and with PTCA in the other. No LIMA injury occurred as a result of selective catheterization. Pa tients with functionally normal anastomosis were discharged on the same day of the diagnostic procedure. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.