Localization of coronary bypass targets in hard-to-see coronary arteries

Background Precise identification of coronary arteries and selection of anastomotic sites are critical stages of coronary bypass surgery. Visualization of coronary arteries is occasionally challenging when the heart is covered with a thick layer of fat or scar tissue. In this paper, we review the methods to localize the coronary arteries during coronary surgery. Methods Prior publications were searched to summarize all available methods for localization of coronary arteries during coronary surgery. Results Five clinically recognized and three experimental techniques from the literature review are reviewed and summarized. Conclusions Knowledge of various techniques of coronary artery identification in hard-to-see coronary arteries is an important asset in coronary surgery and especially useful during the most critical option of the most common heart surgery.