Coronary artery bypass graft imaging with 256-slice MDCT: surgical concepts, current techniques, and interpretation

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanners with current equipment allow for a rapid and robust noninvasive assessment of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) anatomy and patency. With both appropriate expertise in MDCT techniques and knowledge in CABG imaging interpretation, radiologists should play an important and active role in the postoperative care of patients with bypass grafts. In this pictorial essay, we review the MDCT techniques and anatomy relevant to CABG imaging, interpretation pitfalls, some basic and advanced surgical designs, as well as postoperative graft complications in patients with CABG, with clinical illustrations from our local experience.