What are the alternative techniques of constructing coronary bypass anastomoses?
At present, most coronary bypass grafts are constructed with hand-sewn suture techniques for the proximal and distal anastomoses, a practice that has resulted in good short- and intermediate-term patency rates. Because surgeons have different preferences with regard to the technical aspects of the procedure, a wide variety of suture configurations is used. Sewing of the proximal and distal anastomoses with a continuous polypropylene suture is commonly done, but techniques with interrupted silk sutures have been used, with similar results for graft patency and adverse events. Certain clinical scenarios have precipitated an interest in alternative techniques of constructing coronary bypass anastomoses. These include coronary connector devices that are used with arterial or venous conduits to enable grafting without direct suturing. 