Preventing spasm of the radial artery conduit during coronary artery bypass grafting: Nicardipine versus verapamil.

Background And Aim Of The Study: In vitro studies have shown a reduction in radial artery spasm with the use of calcium antagonists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical treatment of the radial artery conduit using either verapamil or nicardipine before the anastomoses.

Methods: This prospective randomized study included 131 patients, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with the use of the radial artery as a conduit.