[Arterial graft anastomosis in coronary surgery: side by side stitch with parachute technique]

We describe some techniques on arterial graft anastomosis that seem to be useful in coronary artery bypass. The graft is positioned with its cut surface upward, parallel to the left side of the coronary artery from surgeon's view point. The first stitch is placed from the inside of the coronary artery at the mid point of the anastomotic line adjacent to the graft. Then, a single stroke continuous sutures are carried out around the proximal corner of the anastomosis terminating at the one third point of the opposite side of the arteriotomy. After completion of this side by side stitch, the graft is approximated by pulling the suture in such a manner as parachute technique. The rest of the anastomosis can be performed in almost fore hand stroke. The time necessary for anastomosis is ten minutes at most.