Doppler echocardiographic flow pattern of the left internal thoracic artery following myocardial revascularization using a composite graft

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Doppler echocardiographic flow pattern of the left internal thoracic artery following myocardial revascularization using a composite graft

Antonio Jorge de Vasconcelos Forte; José Glauco Lobo Filho; Maria Cláudia A Leitão

Instituto Dr. Glauco Lobo – Fortaleza, CE - Brazil

^{Mailing address}

Key words: Echocardiography, Doppler; mammary arteries; graft.

Introduction

Doppler echocardiographic studies of left internal thoracic artery (LITA) grafts, pedicled to the anterior interventricular artery (AIA) became a significant non-invasive method to evaluate graft blood flow and patency at the end of the 90's. A detailed comparison of blood flow from an in situ LITA and an implanted LITA graft reveals that the in situ LITA has a predominantly systolic flow pattern, whereas the LITA pedicled to the AIA shows a considerable increase of diastolic flow, compatible to the flow pattern in the coronary arteries. Another important observation is that the LITA adapts well to flow demand, and therefore can be used in composite grafts for revascularization of more than one coronary artery¹.

Potential Conflict of Interest

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Sources of Funding

There were no external funding sources for this study.

Study Association

This study is not associated with any graduation program.

Figure 1

References

1. Lobo Filho JG, Leitão MCA, Forte AJV, Lobo Filho HG, Silva AA, Bastos ES, et al. Flow analysis of left internal thoracic artery in myocardial revascularization surgery using Y graft. Tex Heart Inst J. 2006;33(4):430-6.

Manuscript received March 3, 2007; revised manuscript received April 21, 2007; accepted May 14, 2007.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  07 Dec 2007
• Date of issue
  Nov 2007