Protective wrapping of the internal thoracic artery

Injury of a patent internal thoracic artery bypass graft in a patient during cardiac reoperation could have catastrophic results. In selected patients who have primary coronary artery bypass grafting using the internal thoracic artery, we wrap the artery pedicle with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane to facilitate identification and to protect it during reoperation. No occlusions or other complications related to use of the membrane have occurred.