Graft-to-coronary-artery shunt during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Ann Thorac Surg. 2006 Sep;82(3):e27-8. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2006.06.013.

Abstract

We have developed a simple technique for temporary shunt from the saphenous vein graft to the coronary artery during off-pump coronary anastomosis. The ends of a 2-mm diameter tube were inserted into the distal end of the saphenous vein graft in which proximal anastomosis had been established and into the right coronary artery crux. Blood flow sufficient to maintain adequate hemodynamics was obtained through the shunt tube while suturing around the tube. We successfully employed this technique in 5 patients with acute coronary syndrome. We suggest that this technique may represent an addition to the armamentarium for off-pump anastomosis to the right coronary artery.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
  • Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump / methods*
  • Coronary Vessels / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Ischemia / surgery
  • Saphenous Vein / surgery*
  • Saphenous Vein / transplantation
  • Suture Techniques