[Intraoperative evaluation of the patency of coronary grafts].

Patency of coronary by-pass grafts is a challenge for the surgeon in order to reduce graft obstructions due to technical reasons. We analyze different published methods and show our experience with 1,010 coronary grafts whose flow was measured using a electromagnetic flowmeter. We also show our experience with infra-red angiography. We consider these two methods more practical and feasible than others because it is possible to save between 3 to 4% of the coronary grafts and to make an immediate record and to determine the relative prognosis of the grafts patency.