The innominate artery as an inflow site in coronary reoperations without cardiopulmonary bypass

The innominate artery was used as an inflow site in 20 patients undergoing redo coronary operations without cardiopulmonary bypass. This technique was adopted when extensive adhesions and old patent grafts were present, to avoid dissection of the ascending aorta and eliminate the risk of graft injury or embolization. This strategy considerably facilitated construction of proximal anastomoses and was associated with favorable perioperative outcomes.