Bypass Graft Angiography Pathology and Limitations

Coronary angiography is the definitive “gold standard” clinical technique for evaluating coronary anatomy and bypass grafts in many patients. The laboratory and catheters provide a platform for coronary intervention and revascularization. In this lesson we will apply our knowledge of coronary anatomy and coronary angiography to patients who have previously undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Venous and arterial bypass grafts each have unique issues related to optimal imaging and interpretation of findings in a clinical context.

You Will Learn

• To differentiate the natural history of arterial and venous bypass grafts in comparison to native coronary arteries.
• To describe the clinical issues related to ostial versus body versus distal anastamotic bypass graft lesions.
• To interpret abnormalities related to arterial bypass graft structure and anatomy.