From June 1984 to November 1989, 4958 patients (pts) were submitted to myocardial revascularization in the Heart Institute, and in 54% at least one internal mammary artery was used. In 442 (8,9%) pts both intenal mammary arteries, right (RIMA) and left (LIMA) were used, isolated or associated to ther grafts. The age ranged from 30 to 78 years old (52,7y) and 399 were male. The pts were separated in 4 groups, being: G I 232 (52,4%) pts - LIMA to left anterior descending artery (LAD) and RIMA to LAD branches or circumflex (Cx) branches in retroaortic position; G II 135 (30,5%) pts - LIMA to LAD and RIMA to right coronary artery (RCA); G III 48 (10,8%) pts - LIMA to Cx branches and RIMA to LAD as a free graft; G IV 27 (6,1%) pts - different associations with both arteries. The LIMA was used in situ in 440 pts and as free graft in 2; the RIMA was used in situ in 379 pts and as free graft in 63; The average number of grafts/pts was 3,17, considering the association with saphenous vein and other grafts. Respiratory insufficiency and low cardiac output syndrome were the main complications in 37 (8,3%) and 23 (5,2%) pts, respectively; 16 (3,6%) pts had post operatory myocardial infarction and 15 (3,3%) had wound closure complications. The mortality rate was 4,91% (22 pts) and the main causes of deaths were multiple system organ failure in 7 (31,8%) and myocardial insufficiency in 6 (27,3%). The mortality rate was higher in pts with severe myocardial dysfunction and older than 60 years old and the best graft patency was observed when the LIMA was anastomosed to the LAD (93,8%). The use of both intenal mammary arteries showed good results and acceptable morbidity and mortality.
myocardial revascularization