Which Blood Vessels Are Used for Grafts in Heart Bypass Surgery?
There are several types of bypass grafts used for heart bypass surgery. The surgeon decides which graft(s) to use, based on the location of the blockage, the amount of blockage, and the size of the patient’s coronary arteries. • Internal mammary arteries (also called thoracic arteries). These are the most common bypass grafts used, as they have been shown to have the best long-term results. In most cases, these arteries can be kept intact at their origin since they have their own oxygen-rich blood supply. During the procedure, the arteries are sewn to the coronary artery below the site of blockage. This artery is located in the chest and can be accessed through the primary incision for the bypass surgery. • Saphenous veins. These veins are removed from your leg, and then sewn from your aorta to the coronary artery below the site of blockage. Minimally invasive saphenous vein removal may be performed and results in less scarring and a faster recovery. • Radial artery. There are two arte
