Free right internal thoracic artery in a "horseshoe" configuration: a new technical approach for "in situ" conduit lengthening

J Card Surg. 2005 Nov-Dec;20(6):583-4; discussion 585. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8191.2005.00128.x.

Abstract

Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with large lung volumes may prevent both the "in situ" internal thoracic arteries to reach coronary anastomoses sites. We present a method to revascularize the left antero-lateral myocardial wall using the right internal thoracic artery as a "free graft" anastomosed side to end to the "in situ" left internal thoracic artery, in a "horseshoe" fashion. The two ends of the "free graft" were anastomosed to the left anterior descending coronary artery and the second obtuse marginal branch, respectively. This method was successfully used in a 74-year-old patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Angioplasty / methods*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Circulation
  • Coronary Vessels / surgery
  • Humans
  • Mammary Arteries / surgery*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / surgery
  • Vascular Patency