What is a major benefit of an internal mammary graft?

What is a major benefit of an internal mammary graft?

• A. Highly resistant to atherosclerosis
• B. More prone to stenosis
• C. Shorter patency
• D. Higher infection risk

Answer: (A)

Arterial grafts, especially the left internal mammary artery, have superior long-term patency because they are highly resistant to atherosclerosis. The endothelium and flow dynamics of the internal mammary graft promote a healthy vessel lining and prevent the progressive narrowing seen in many vein grafts, so the graft tends to stay open for many years. This robustness to atherosclerotic changes is the key benefit and explains why surgeons favor the internal mammary graft for the LAD. In contrast, saphenous vein grafts are more prone to stenosis and occlusion over time, and infection risk is not a defining advantage of the internal mammary graft.

Arterial grafts, especially the left internal mammary artery, have superior long-term patency because they are highly resistant to atherosclerosis. The endothelium and flow dynamics of the internal mammary graft promote a healthy vessel lining and prevent the progressive narrowing seen in many vein grafts, so the graft tends to stay open for many years. This robustness to atherosclerotic changes is the key benefit and explains why surgeons favor the internal mammary graft for the LAD. In contrast, saphenous vein grafts are more prone to stenosis and occlusion over time, and infection risk is not a defining advantage of the internal mammary graft.