Analysis of coronary vascular resistance and blood flow of venous graft in coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the coronary vascular resistance (CVR) and to analyze the flow differences through grafts in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS Between 17 June and 15 July 2005, we assessed the coronary vascular resistance profile in 10 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery by grafting a section of saphenous vein and checking CVR direct (preoperative) and indirect arterial pressure and blood flow during blood cardioplegic infusion. RESULTS Significant differences between segments of coronary grafts with flow changes ranging from 36.52 to 100 ml/min were verified. CONCLUSION Despite various factors that contribute to success or unsuccess of coronary grafts, the CVR preoperative assessment can be a possible method to estimate blood flow through the coronary graft implant during surgical procedure.