Intraoperative ultrasonic imaging of coronary artery and saphenous vein grafts in coronary bypass surgery
Suma, H.; Sasaki, S.; Asada, K.; Takeuchi, A.; Suwa, M.
Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery 30(2): 257-261
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9509 PMID: 2651456 Document Number: 329381
The intraoperative evaluation of native coronary atherosclerotic lesions and the anastomotic status of saphenous vein grafts were made using two-dimensional echography. Ultrasonic imaging was performed with a linear cross-sectional ultrasonograph and a high-frequency wide-brand microtransducer. In animal experiments, the lumens of the left main trunk and other major branches of coronary arteries of mongrel dogs were clearly visualized; the stenotic portion created by external constriction of the left anterior descending artery was also recognized in this manner. In the clinical application, 30 patients who required coronary artery this manner. In the clinical application, 30 patients who required coronary artery bypass grafting were examined during surgery. Intraluminal status of the left main trunk and proximal to mid portion of the other major coronary arteries were visualized satisfactorily. Stenotic portions detected by preoperative coronary cine-angiography were recognized. It was concluded that intraoperative echo coronary arteriography provides adequate information on the target coronary artery before the incision is made and that evaluation of anastomotic status is possible.