Right Gastroepiploic Artery in Myocardial Revascularization: Portuguese Experience

Excellent results obtained with the use of the internal mammary artery in myocardial revascularization led us to complement its use with other arterial conduits, and the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) emerged as a valid alternative, allowing the expansion of total arterial revascularization. From July 1988 until September 1994 we utilized the RGEA in 101 patients with ages between 30 and 71 years (mean 54 9.43). The RGEA was used to bypass the posterior descending artery in 90 patients and for the marginal branches of the circumflex in 11. Exclusive arterial revascularization was possible in 92% of the cases with a mean of 2.7 bypasses per patient. There were 4 (4%) cases of death, and 3 instances of perioperative myocardial infarction. Angiographic control of the RGEA performed in 46 patients showed a patency of 87%. In conclusion, the RGEA was predominantly used to revascularize the inferior wall of the myocardium as a complement to the internal mammary artery. Its use occurred without significant morbidity and mortality, and postoperative angiographic visualization of these arterial conduits allowed us to expect good mid-and long-term patency.