Coronary arterial bypass graft patency evaluated by multi-detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

The progression of atherosclerosis of the coronary artery does not stop after coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. In contrary, new stenotic lesions or even occlusions could develop more quickly in the native artery segment proximal to the insertion site of the graft. Other lesions could develop at the native arterial segment beyond the insertion site of the graft or on the graft itself, especially if this is a saphenous vein graft. New lesions on an arterial graft were less common. A few months, one year, or a few years after CABG, when the symptoms of coronary heart disease (CAD) re-occur, a thorough assessment of the patency of the grafts or native coronary arteries is indicated. Then, complete revascularization is needed in order to decrease short and long term morbidity and mortality.