Importance

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Abstract

A radiopaque blood vessel marker is provided for attachment to the side wall portions of a blood vessel during, for example, a coronary by-pass operation. The markers in the preferred embodiment are flattened, oval-shaped radiopaque discs which are attached to the outer peripheral wall portion of the blood vessel at one hundred eighty degrees (180.degree.) with respect to one another (See FIG. 3). Each radiopaque marker can be comprised of a central imbedded element of radiopaque material such as tantilum which is surrounded by a suitable plastic or like resinous material which is inert and acceptable for use within the human body. During a coronary by-pass, for example, these markers could be attached by suturing or like means to the vein graft which is itself sutured into its new position during the by-pass operation. A fluoroscopic examination by a radiologist would reveal a desirable pulsation of the graft vessel in the form of the two attached markers as the radiopaque markers will constantly move (in and out) with respect to one another. Each marker is attached to the undulating wall portion of the vessel which is constantly moved when blood flow is passing through the graft as is desirable. In the event that complications arise, and the graft becomes clotted (stopping the flow of blood therethrough), a fluoroscopic examination will reveal that the radiopaque vessel markers do not move in and out with respect to one another but rather are stationary indicating a lack of undulation and a corresponding lack of blood flow.

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First Claim