Spasm of the gastroepiploic artery used for coronary artery bypass grafting

The GEA, though similar to the internal mammary artery in size and flow characteristics, is different histologically as well as physiologically. When used as a free graft, the GEA is very vasospastic, which may influence its long-term patency. When it is necessary to use the GEA as a conduit, it may be preferable to use it in situ rather than as a pedicle graft.