[A study of the morphology of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (DBLCFA) as a possible vascular graft for the reconstruction of coronary arteries using angio CT].

INTRODUCTION: Due to the need for alternative arterial grafts suitable for the reconstruction of the coronary bloodstream, we conducted a morphological analysis of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (DBLCFA) using an AGCT scan.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Not only anatomical variations and the quantitative representation of sclerotic changes, but also the presence of a collateral system in the event of significant stenosis of the pelvic and femoral artery system were analysed.

RESULTS: The results revealed favorable findings in the sense of the studied arteries length (9.3 cm on average), a relatively low anatomical variability and a very small percentage of the studied blood vessels participating in collateral blood flow, despite that 72% of tests revealed significant stenotic disease (stenosis of more than 50%) of the upper branch of lower limb arteries.

CONCLUSION: According to the defined criteria, 68% of vessels were found to be suitable for grafting. We suppose that this number would be considerably higher in patients with only insignificant or no ischemic disease of the lower extremities.