HOW GOOD IS THE RADIAL ARTERY AS A BYPASS GRAFT

The radial artery is being used with increasing frequency to replace t he saphenous vein as a coronary artery bypass graft, on the basis of t he belief that it will provide improved long-term patency. Innovative techniques in assessing the ulnar collateral circulation to the hand c ontinue to evolve, giving comfort to the surgeon. Several centres have confirmed that the early results of surgery using the radial artery a re similar to those using conventional grafts. Few late graft patency results or clinical data have been reported. Unresolved issues, such a s the importance of pathological changes in the radial artery, the pre vention of spasm, and the hypoperfusion syndrome, lurk in the backgrou nd. The role of the radial artery continues to evolve. (C) Rapid Scien ce Publishers.