Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and may require coronary revascularization when more severe or symptomatic. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common cardiac surgical procedure and can be performed with different bypass conduits and anastomotic techniques. Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are the most frequently used conduits for CABG, in addition to the left internal thoracic artery. Outcomes with a single internal thoracic artery and SVGs are favorable, and the long-term patency of SVGs may be improved through novel harvesting techniques, preservation methods, and optimal medical therapy. However, increasing evidence points towards the superiority of arterial grafts, especially in the form of multiple arterial grafting (MAG). Nevertheless, the uptake of MAG remains limited and variable, both as a result of technical complexity and a scarcity of conclusive randomized controlled trial evidence. Here, we present an overview of CABG techniques, harvesting methods, and anastomosis types to achieve total arterial revascularization and adopt MAG. We further narratively summarize the available evidence for MAG versus single arterial grafting to date and highlight remaining gaps and questions that require further study to elucidate the role of MAG in CABG.
Keywords: arterial grafting; cardiac surgery; coronary artery bypass grafting; coronary revascularization.