Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilator response of left and right internal mammary and internal thoracic arteries used as a composite Y-graft.

Objective: The manner in which a blood vessel is for used as a coronary graft may be important in maintaining a viable and functional endothelial lining. Composite internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) in a Y-graft configuration are characterized by the connection of an in situ left ITA with preserved innervation and lymphatics and of a free semi-skeletonized right ITA.

Methods: To determine whether endothelial function differs between left and right ITA segments in a Y-graft configuration, 11 patients were studied 3 years after surgery.