[The mammary-coronary anastomosis. Indications--advantages--problems].

In 25 (5.3%) of surgically treated coronary patients the mammarocoronary anastomosis was performed. A follow-up angiographic checkings made after 1 to 3.5 years proved its patency in all instances. The minimal lumen of the internal thoracic artery at the anastomosis site should be 1.5 mm. The use of the internal thoracic artery, with the appropriate indication, is limited to the anterior ventricular branches of the left coronary artery. The peculiarities of the operation are described.