Zeitschrift für Kardiologie
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The internal mammary artery (IMA) and the right gastroepiploic artery are increasingly used for myocardial revascularization. The postoperative results are much better than those of the saphenous vein regarding mortality, patency rate, and relief of symptoms. The IMA can be used as an in-situ-graft or as a free transplant, either as a single graft or using sequential anastomoses. ⋯ In 74 cases both IMAs were used. In 315 patients sequential anastomoses with one IMA and several coronary arteries were performed. According to our experience, the IMA is an ideal bypass conduit and should be used predominantly.