[Revascularization of coronary arteries. Reimplantation of the right internal mammary artery into the left in situ mammary artery].

The distal latero-circumflex arteries and the posterior descending artery are located so far from the mammary arteries that they cannot be revascularized by the conventional procedure. Reimplantation of the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) used as a free graft into the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in situ doubles the length of the RIMA, thus enabling the distal coronary arteries (lower lateral or posterior interventricular arteries) to be bypassed. The Y-shaped reimplantation anastomosis technique is described, and the immediate results obtained in 25 patients are reported. Seven angiographic controls were performed after 6 months to 1 year, and 6 anastomoses were perfectly patent. One RIMA is occluded (major competitive flow).