A technique for selective graft perfusion during aortocoronary bypass

A technique is described that provides early reperfusion of acutely ischemic myocardium during the construction of saphenous vein bypass grafts to the coronary arteries. Selective vein graft perfusion provides early and appropriate cooling of the most ischemic zones identified by either electrocardiographic changes or intramyocardial temperature probes and allows warm blood reperfusion during construction of proximal anastomoses. The technique may be applicable to patients who present with acute ischemia and evolving infarction, failed angioplasty, or left main coronary artery stenosis.