Narrowing of Saphenous Vein Bypass Graft by A Sternal Spur: Repair without Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Summary

We report a case in whom severe angina has recurred post-operatively secondary to narrowing of a saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass graft (SVBG) caused by compression from a sternal spur. Surgical repair was accomplished by anastomosing a new vein graft to the previous one, bypassing the narrowed segment, without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Although this technique is applicable to only a small proportion of cases undergoing SVBG reoperations, it might reduce the hazards associated with extensive mediastinal dissection and cardiopulmonary bypass in these cases.

Key words

Sternal spur - Narrowing of SVBG