How good is the radial artery as a bypass graft?

The radial artery is being used with increasing frequency to replace the saphenous vein as a coronary artery bypass graft, on the basis of the belief that it will provide improved long-term patency. Innovative techniques in assessing the ulnar collateral circulation to the hand continue to evolve, giving comfort to the surgeon. Several centres have confirmed that the early results of surgery using the radial artery are similar to those using conventional grafts. Few late graft patency results or clinical data have been reported. Unresolved issues, such as the importance of pathological changes in the radial artery, the prevention of spasm, and the hypoperfusion syndrome, lurk in the background. The role of the radial artery continues to evolve.