Internal thoracic artery as main blood supply to the lower limbs. Case report.

A 70-year-old male patient was admitted with symptoms of unstable angina pectoris and claudication. He presented critical left main and right coronary artery disease and juxtarenal aortic occlusion at the same time. Internal thoracic artery increased in diameter with many collateral branch arteries distally. Coronary artery bypass graft operation was performed immediately. Saphenous veins were used for conduit. Internal thoracic artery was let intact to avoid any ischemic problem of the lower extremities. DSA performed postoperatively showed that the internal thoracic artery was the unique blood supply to the leg. In the absence of emergency of peripheral revascularization two staged surgical approach (CABG first and aortobifemoral bypass some months later) was considered. However, in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease or even in patients whom intraaortic balloon-pump indicated postoperatively, combined surgical approach is necessary. In all coronary artery disease patients with Leriche syndrome, ITA dependent lower extremity circulation should be thought preoperatively. Extra-anatomic peripheral bypass is a reasonable alternative choice in combined procedures with low morbidity, especially in elderly patients having coexisting disease.