New graft for the surgical treatment of small vessel diseases.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the use of a new Bovine Internal Mammary Artery (BIMA) graft in the surgical treatment of small arteries. Results were based on a study of 20 patients undergoing coronary revascularization, 9 patients undergoing modified Blalock-Taussig procedure, 15 patients requiring access for hemodyalisis, 6 patients undergoing peripheral revascularization, and 15 patients undergoing revascularization for impotence. Patients are well, and post-operative angiogram, when possible, showed patent BIMA grafts. Speadier anastomosis was possible, decreasing actual surgical time. Although long-term patency studies are required, the results of the present study justify the use of the BIMA graft as a small artery substitute if a healthy saphenous vein or internal mammary graft are not available. The ready availability in all sizes, superior handling, less likelihood to kinking, proper matching with the native artery, elasticity properties, and low cost, make this graft necessary in the armamentarium of the cardiovascular surgeon.