Which statement about radial artery grafts is true?

• A. Harvested from the leg.
• B. Dissected at the distal end & anastomosed to the coronary artery distal to occlusion.
• C. Located in the arm and can be used as a CABG conduit.
• D. Is never used in CABG.

Answer: (C)

Radial artery grafts are arterial conduits harvested from the forearm to reroute blood flow to the heart during CABG. They come from the arm, not the leg, and can be used to connect a coronary artery to the graft system, either directly to the aorta or as part of a composite graft. This option is favored in some patients because arterial grafts tend to have good long-term patency. Before using the radial artery, the hand’s perfusion is evaluated (often with an Allen test) to ensure the ulnar artery can supply the hand if the radial artery is taken. The radial conduit also requires careful handling to prevent spasm and may be followed by pharmacologic vasodilators to keep it open. In short, the statement that the radial artery is located in the arm and can be used as a CABG conduit is true.