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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Published on: March 27, 2018
Endovascular approach in chronic aortoiliac disease in patient undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery
Fotini Ampatzidou1, Charilaos-Panagiotis Koutsogiannidis1, Aggelos Megalopoulos2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Hospital "G. Papanikolaou," Thessaloniki, Greece.
Insights
Internal thoracic artery (ITA) is a key vessel for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Preoperative identification of Winslow
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) frequently utilizes the internal thoracic artery (ITA) as a preferred conduit.
- Aortoiliac disease can present complex challenges in patients requiring CABG.
Observation:
- A patient with known preoperative aortoiliac disease and an anterior collateral pathway was evaluated for elective coronary bypass.
- The potential for lower limb ischemia due to ITA use in such patients was noted.
Findings:
- The anterior collateral pathway, specifically Winslow's anastomotic pathway, is crucial for maintaining lower limb perfusion when the ITA is used.
- Failure to recognize this pathway can lead to adverse outcomes.
Implications:
- Preoperative assessment for Winslow's anastomotic pathway is critical in patients with aortoiliac disease undergoing CABG.
- This assessment ensures the safe utilization of the ITA and prevents potential lower limb ischemia.
Abstract:
Internal thoracic artery (ITA) is an excellent conduit for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). We present a patient with known preoperative aortoiliac disease with anterior collateral pathway who had an indication for elective coronary bypass. The use of ITA in these patients may cause lower limb ischemia. Detecting Winslow's anastomotic pathway before CABG is of utmost importance.
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