Utility of Radiopaque Bypass Graft Markers During Coronary Angiography Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Background. Radiopaque bypass graft markers allow easy visualization of the location of the graft and can minimize contrast use and radiation exposure during follow-up coronary angiography. Methods. This retrospective study analyzed coronary artery bypass graft patients who underwent subsequent coronary angiography in the John Cochrane Veterans Affairs Medical Center from January 2009 until September 2017. Results. Patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography with proximal graft markers required less contrast use (P<.02) and less fluoroscopy time (P<.01). The presence or absence of proximal graft markers had no significant difference on the rise of creatinine following coronary angiography (P=.28). Conclusion. Bypass graft markers reduce contrast and radiation use in follow-up coronary angiography and reduce incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury.