Intraoperative angiography leads to graft revision in coronary artery bypass surgery

Background Graft anastomosis quality in coronary artery bypass surgery can be assessed by intraoperative angiography. The aim of the present study was to quantify the on-table revision rate initiated by intraoperative angiography. Methods Intraoperative angiography was carried out in 186 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, with a total of 427 grafts. The operation was performed on-pump in 34%, off-pump through a sternotomy in 49%, and as a minimally invasive direct coronary bypass grafting (MIDCAB) procedure in 17%. The angiography was performed intraoperatively while the patients were still in general anesthesia, with the possibility for on-table revision. Follow-up angiography was carried out after a mean of 346 days. Results Eighteen of 427 grafts (4.2%) were revised due to the findings at intraoperative angiography. Revision rate after on-pump surgery was 1.1%, after off-pump through a sternotomy 6.4%, and after MIDCAB 6.5%. In 6 patients the lesions were located at the distal anastomoses and in 12 patients in the conduit. All but one was successfully revised, and at 1-year follow-up all these 17 grafts were patent. Conclusions Intraoperative angiography saves a potential number of grafts that otherwise could have been occluded. An increased implementation of intraoperative quality assessment in coronary artery bypass surgery can lead to improved outcome.