The Aortocoronary Bypass Operation

Abstract

The aortocoronary-vein bypass procedure for the treatment of ischemic heart disease has been enthusiastically received because it represents a simple, direct, mechanical approach to the problem of coronary-artery obstruction. A section of saphenous vein is used to form a large-bore conduit between the aorta and a coronary artery distal to an obstructing lesion. An end-to-side anastomosis connects the vein to the coronary artery, and therefore the normal flow through the natural coronary circulation is not compromised, and collateral vessels around the site of obstruction are not likely to be damaged. The vein is connected to a new opening in the . . .