46. Is visualization of totally occluded left anterior descending coronary artery on CT images before coronary artery bypasses grafting has beneficial effect?

Abstract

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) has emerged as an accurate anatomic method for detection of coronary arteries. The use of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to bypass the left anterior descending artery (LAD) is the “gold standard” of coronary artery revascularization. Assessment of graftability of the LAD artery is an important factor before planning coronary artery bypasses grafting (CABG). Coronary angiography could not visualize left anterior descending after proximal totally occluded segment in some patients with coronary artery disease. CTCA could identify the flow distal to the total occlusion better than coronary angiography. To assess if CTCA has beneficial effect in deciding the graftability of LAD artery. Methods: Coronary angiography was undertaken in 11 patients because of chest pain. Although coronary angiography could not visualize LAD artery distal to proximal total occlusion. Delineation of the LAD artery was achieved on CTCA. All patients underwent CABG with LIMA to LAD artery. Conclusion: CTCA in addition to coronary angiography is valuable tool to assess graftability of LAD artery before CAB.