An evaluation of histomorphometric properties of coronary arteries, saphenous vein, and various arterial conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Purpose: We evaluated the histomorphological properties of the coronary arteries, saphenous vein, and five arterial conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting, and compared them with each other.

Methods: All vessels were harvested from seven cadavers, eight autopsied individuals, and 14 patients. The length, lumen diameter, wall thickness, and histological structures were examined based on samples obtained from the coronary arteries and the conduits. The dimensions and wall thicknesses of the coronary arteries and the conduits were compared using a one-sided variance analysis. The similarities between the coronary arteries and the conduits were investigated by Duncan's multiple range tests.

Results: The internal mammary and intercostal arteries were elastic, while the others were muscular. The lengths of all conduits were adequate for use as coronary artery grafts. The dimensions and wall thicknesses of the coronary arteries and the conduits showed no statistically significant differences, except for the proximal portion of the saphenous vein.

Conclusions: These findings emphasize the justification of continued use of the ideally matching internal mammary artery, either as an in situ or free graft, in coronary artery bypass grafting, although other arterial grafts can be used in coronary artery bypass grafting. In addition, the intercostal artery was found to have relatively favorable properties regarding its potential suitability as a coronary bypass conduit.