Coronary artery bypass graft markers: history, usage, and effects

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is one of the most common procedures in the United States as many Americans suffer from coronary heart disease and undergo CABG each year. While CABG has been performed for decades, questions remain regarding the benefits graft marker placement provides for patient therapy and outcomes. Markers at the proximal graft anastomosis aim to improve the efficiency and reduce the risks of subsequent, post-coronary artery bypass grafting coronary angiography by decreasing fluoroscopy time and contrast volume used. Graft markers have been shown to reduce fluoroscopy time and contrast volume, but concerns exist regarding their potentially negative impact on patient outcomes by increasing procedural time and possibly affecting graft patency. The relationship between graft markers and graft patency has not been studied in depth, and there is little evidence to show that graft patency is determined by graft marker placement. Because of the potential benefits to patients and the limited risks, it is important to continue studying graft marker usage and their effects on long-term outcomes.