OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the coronary vascular resistance (CVR) and to analyze the flow differences through grafts in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS:Between 17 June and 15 July 2005, we assessed the coronary vascular resistance profile in 10 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery by grafting a section of saphenous vein and checking CVR direct (preoperative) and indirect arterial pressure and blood flow during blood cardioplegic infusion. RESULTS: Significant differences between segments of coronary grafts with flow changes ranging from 36.52 to 100 ml/min were verified. CONCLUSION: Despite various factors that contribute to success or unsuccess of coronary grafts, the CVR preoperative assessment can be a possible method to estimate blood flow through the coronary graft implant during surgical procedure.
Vascular resistance; Graft occlusion, vascular; Myocardial revascularization
