[MSB-62] Comparison of Left Internal Mammary Artery to the Left Anterior Descending Artery Graft Patency

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the bidirectional palpation test and the results of transit time flow meter (TTFM) measurements by examining graft patency through early-period coronary computed tomography angiography. Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective-prospective hybrid cohort study. Graft patency in the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending artery anastomosis of 73 patients was evaluated. The results of the bidirectional palpation test and TTFM measurements performed during coronary artery bypass grafting were compared with contrast-enhanced coronary computed tomography angiography performed in the early postoperative period. Results: Graft patency was statistically significantly higher in patients with a positive bidirectional palpation test compared to those with a negative test (p<0.001). Similarly, graft patency was significantly higher in patients with a mean flow of 10 mL/min or more compared to those with a mean flow below 10 mL/min (p=0.001). Conclusion: A significant positive correlation was revealed between the bidirectional palpation test and the mean flow measured by TTFM. Additionally, both the bidirectional palpation test and TTFM accurately demonstrated the intraoperative LIMA graft patency. These findings indicate that both tests can be reliably used in the assessment of the LIMA to left anterior descending artery anastomosis.