graft patency
The continued openness and functionality of a surgical bypass graft over time.
Full Definition
Graft patency refers to the long-term openness and functional capacity of bypass grafts following cardiovascular surgery. It is a critical measure of surgical success and is typically expressed as a percentage of grafts remaining open at specific time intervals (1 year, 5 years, 10 years). Patency rates vary depending on graft type, with internal mammary artery grafts showing superior long-term patency compared to saphenous vein grafts. Factors affecting patency include graft material, target vessel quality, anastomotic technique, postoperative medical management, and patient compliance with antiplatelet therapy. Assessment of graft patency is performed through various imaging modalities including angiography, CT angiography, or stress testing.
In Context
- "Ten-year graft patency rates were 95% for the internal mammary artery and 65% for saphenous vein grafts." — research report
- "Postoperative angiography confirmed excellent graft patency in all three bypass vessels." — follow-up report