graft patency
The continued openness and blood flow through a surgical bypass graft over time.
Full Definition
Graft patency refers to the long-term functional status of surgical bypass grafts, indicating whether the conduit remains open and provides adequate blood flow to the target vessel. Patency is typically assessed at specific time intervals (early, mid-term, and long-term) and can be evaluated through various imaging modalities including angiography, CT angiography, or functional studies. Factors affecting graft patency include conduit type (arterial vs venous), surgical technique, target vessel quality, patient comorbidities, and postoperative medical management. High graft patency rates are essential for successful long-term outcomes in coronary and peripheral bypass procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Specify time frame when discussing patency rates (e.g., 'one-year patency' vs 'five-year patency').
In Context
- "Five-year graft patency rates for the left internal mammary artery exceeded 95% in this patient cohort." — Long-term follow-up study
- "Postoperative angiography confirmed excellent graft patency in all three bypass conduits." — Early postoperative assessment