Anastomosis of the Internal Mammary Artery to the Distal Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery

Abstract

Postmortem studies suggest that segments of the left anterior descending coronary artery measuring 1.5 mm are rarely diseased. Bypass grafting to such segments has been performed in 31 patients. Ten patients having internal mammary to left anterior descending anastomosis have angiographically patent grafts 2 to 13 months after operation. Symptoms of angina as well as symptoms of left ventricular failure have been strikingly relieved.