When blood is unable to flow easily through the arteries of the heart, one may need to undergo coronary bypass surgery. The surgeon must bypass the obstruction since it cannot be dissolved or removed. Bypassing the blockages will supply the necessary oxygen, thereby relieving chest pain and increasing the function of the heart. The blockages will be bypassed using the saphenous vein from the leg and/or the internal mammary artery from the chest. In the patient above, multiple Saphenous Vein Grafts (SVGs) are sewn to the largest artery in the body (aorta) and past the occlusions into the different coronary arteries and the Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) is connected to a blocked coronary artery.
SVG and LIMA connections:
- SVG to Right Coronary Artery (RCA)
- SVG to Left Anterior Descending (LAD) Coronary Artery
- SVG to Circumflex Marginal (CM) Coronary Artery
- LIMA to LAD
The Stanford 3DQ lab utilizes advanced 3D software to assist clinicians in performing patient-specific cardiovascular modeling and simulation. From 3D model construction, meshing and blood flow simulation, a better understanding of cardiovascular fluid mechanics can help plan optimal treatments for patients.
Derrick Laurel
3DQ Technologist