Vascular prostheses for aortocoronary bypass grafting: a review

Abstract

Alternative conduits must be chosen when autologous grafts are not available for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Viable grafts do not always have perfect characteristics for CABG, and homologous venous conduits have been used with unsatisfactory results. Many small caliber vascular grafts used for coronary bypass conduits have been developed in the past, but most of them have failed except in rare instances. In this paper the current problems in available conduits, new technologies for improvement, animal models, and possibilities for the future for CABG conduits are discussed.