Direct revascularization of the septal artery.

Between July 1, 1976 and May 1, 1979, 21 patients underwent coronary artery grafting of the first septal artery. Blood flow in the septal bypass averaged 60.2 ml/min and the diameter of the distal anastomoses averaged 2.1 mm. Among the 20 survivors, 13 were subjected to angiography at an average of 7 months after the operation (from 2 weeks to 2 years). The bypass graft to the first septal artery was patent in 84% of the patients (11 of 13) and 90% of the grafts were open (57 of 63). The authors believe that if a patient has an important stenosis in the first septal artery, direct revascularization may be carried out. However, because of technical difficulties during dissection and anastomosis it is wise to select an artery at least 2 mm in diameter which supplies a large area.