Does radial use as a second arterial conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting improve long-term outcomes in diabetics?☆☆☆

Abstract

Using radial as a second arterial conduit as opposed to vein grafting did not confer a survival benefit in diabetics. This unexpected result is perhaps related to relatively diminished radial graft patency and/or the augmented radial vasoreactivity characteristic of diabetics. These findings indicate that the radial survival advantage demonstrated in the general CABG population lies primarily in non-diabetics in whom this advantage may be underestimated.

Reappraisal of a 20-year experience with the radial artery as a conduit for coronary bypass grafting

“…This compared favorably with survival rates in historical series using mostly vein grafts in which patients were younger [7,8]. Although the subject is still a matter of controversy [9], the present study tends to confirm the protective effect of arterial grafting on survival as demonstrated by others [10,11]. The preferential use of arterial grafts including the radial artery in this series allowed relieving symptoms of myocardial ischemia in 80% of the cases and nearly abolished the risk for acute myocardial infarction (2.1%) over a 20-year follow-up period.…”

Effects of Blood Transfusion on Cause-Specific Late Mortality After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting—Less Is More

“…Given the potential interdependence of transfusion and postoperative morbidity, comparisons were repeated after stratifying patients as having (complication) versus not having (no complication) any of the postoperative complications in the STS database. The operative technique and perioperative management were previously described [20].…”

Is Transfusion Associated With Graft Occlusion After Cardiac Operations?

“…The index operation was performed as previously described [17]. Post-CABG coronary angiograms were obtained at the discretion of the patients' cardiologists based on the development of symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischemia.…”