Abstract
Introduction: Epidemiological studies show that cardiovascular mortality is two to three times higher in male gender and three to five times higher in women with diabetes than those without diabetes. In this study, LIMA, which we frequently use in coronary bypass surgery, and the comparison of structural differences, if any, that may affect the saphenous vein, were analyzed with samples taken from diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Materials and Methods: Twelve diabetic and 12 non-diabetic patients who underwent coronary by-pass between 2003-2004 use of this type were examined. We evaluated the intimal thickness, medial thickness, intima-media ratio, and medial calcification of the biopsies from these grafts used during the operation.
Results: LIMA calcification were calculated as 10,84±0,98µ in diabetics and 12±2,15µ in the control (p=0.048). When the calcification in saphenous veins was evaluated as a percentage, it was calculated as 7.19±3,47µ in the diabetic and 7,95±1,16µ in the control (p=0.037). When the LIMA intima thickness was evaluated, it was calculated as 28,75±15,65µ and 26,36±24,05µ in the control (p=0.044). When the LIMA intima-media ratios were examined, it was calculated as 0.128±0.93µ in the diabetic group and 0.117±0.092µ in the control (p=0.041). Measurement of saphenous vein intimal thickness was found as 68,05±47,94µ in the diabetic group and 66,31±48,07µ in the control group (p=0.038). When measured as the medial thickness of the saphenous vein, it was found to be 422,18±131,7µ in the diabetic group and 465,6±146,28µ in the control (p=0.032).
Conclusion: We could not find any statistically significant difference between the two groups. Since we could not find a significant difference in terms of grafts between the diabetic and control groups, we can only say that postoperative factors cause premature occlusion of grafts in diabetics.

Key words: Internal Thoracic Artery, Saphenous Vein, Diabetes Mellitus, Graft, Bypass Surgery