In radial artery grafts, the proximal end is anastomosed to which structure?

• A. Ascending aorta
• B. Descending aorta
• C. Pulmonary artery
• D. Right atrium

Answer: (A)

The proximal end of a radial artery graft in CABG is connected to the ascending aorta. This provides a high-pressure, pulsatile arterial inflow from the main arterial source, ensuring good blood supply to the bypassed coronary territory. The descending aorta is not the standard source for proximal graft inflow, and the pulmonary artery or right atrium are not suitable because the graft would be fed from a low-pressure or venous/highly venous circuit, leading to poor perfusion and incorrect flow dynamics. The distal end of the graft is then connected to the target coronary artery beyond the blockage.