During a CABG, which vessel is harvested and used as a pedicle graft for the bypass?

The correct answer is the left internal mammary artery because it is commonly used as a pedicle graft in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures due to its favorable characteristics. The left internal mammary artery has excellent long-term patency rates compared to other graft options, making it a preferred choice for revascularization of the left anterior descending artery. Its robust blood supply and proximity to the heart allows for easier harvesting and attachment during surgery. Additionally, it is well-suited for maintaining blood flow to the heart muscle, which is critical in patients undergoing CABG.

The right internal mammary artery, though used for grafting, is less frequently chosen than its left counterpart primarily due to the established preference for the left. The great saphenous vein can also be harvested for grafting, but it typically has a higher rate of failure than internal mammary arteries. The radial artery is sometimes used as a graft as well, but it is less common than the left internal mammary artery. Therefore, the left internal mammary artery stands out as a highly effective graft choice in CABG surgeries.