The radial artery is often regarded as having better long-term patency when used as a bypass graft compared to other options such as the saphenous vein, femoral artery, or subclavian artery. This increased patency can be attributed to several factors, including the inherent structure of the radial artery, which consists of muscular layers that help maintain its diameter and resist occlusion. Additionally, the radial artery tends to have a lower incidence of atherosclerosis compared to veins, making it more stable over time.
Furthermore, the radial artery is utilized in procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) due to its favorable size and the presence of endothelial function that facilitates healing and adaptability post-grafting. The arterial endothelial lining promotes better blood flow dynamics and reduces turbulence, contributing to sustained patency.
In contrast, the saphenous vein, despite being a commonly used graft, has a higher tendency to develop intimal hyperplasia and can become occluded due to changes in blood flow patterns and compliance differences compared to arterial grafts. Other vessels like the femoral and subclavian arteries are less frequently used as grafts for coronary bypass procedures, and their patency rates are affected by different anatomical and physiological factors which are not as favorable