conduit
A graft or tube used to redirect blood flow, commonly referring to coronary artery bypass grafts or valve-containing tubes.
Full Definition
In cardiovascular surgery, a conduit refers to any graft material used to create new pathways for blood flow. This includes arterial or venous grafts for coronary artery bypass surgery, as well as valve-containing conduits used in complex reconstructions. Common conduit types include saphenous vein grafts, internal mammary arteries, radial arteries, and synthetic materials. For valve replacement, conduits may contain biological or mechanical valves within a tubular graft, such as those used in Bentall procedures or right ventricular outflow tract reconstructions. Conduit selection depends on patient anatomy, durability requirements, and surgical complexity.
In Context
- "A saphenous vein conduit was harvested from the left leg." — Operative note
- "The pulmonary valve conduit showed excellent function on follow-up echo." — Post-operative assessment