[Choice of conduit in coronary bypass surgery]

Since 1987, arterial conduits have been used in 78 of 130 cases receiving coronary bypass surgery, including 25 treated by arterial conduits alone. The use of arterial conduits was mainly indicated to the anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), but the saphenous vein had to be used in 39 percent, 47 of 120 cases receiving bypass grafting to the LAD for various reasons including a combination of multiple obstructive arteriosclerosis, multiple bypass graftings in the aged, unstable angina, emergency operation and no suitable artery for a conduit as indicated by preoperative angiography. Hereafter, arterial conduits for coronary bypass grafting to LAD should be used in many more cases to the best possible advantage.