Which statement about disadvantages of IMA grafts is true?

Which statement about disadvantages of IMA grafts is true?

• A. They heal more quickly than SVG.
• B. They are never used due to risks.
• C. They completely eliminate infection risk.
• D. They may be problematic for diabetics and those who are obese or have large breasts, and carry increased risk for mediastinitis.

Answer: (D)

Internal mammary artery grafts provide excellent long-term patency, especially for the LAD, but they come with particular downsides in certain patients. In diabetics and in individuals who are obese or have large breasts, healing of the chest wall can be impaired and infection risk rises. Harvesting the internal mammary arteries can compromise sternal blood supply, which increases the chance of mediastinitis, especially when both sides are used or wound healing is poor. This is why the statement noting potential problems in diabetics, obesity, or large breasts and the associated higher risk of mediastinitis is true. The other options aren’t correct: IMA grafts don’t heal faster than saphenous vein grafts, they are not never used, and they do not eliminate infection risk.

Internal mammary artery grafts provide excellent long-term patency, especially for the LAD, but they come with particular downsides in certain patients. In diabetics and in individuals who are obese or have large breasts, healing of the chest wall can be impaired and infection risk rises. Harvesting the internal mammary arteries can compromise sternal blood supply, which increases the chance of mediastinitis, especially when both sides are used or wound healing is poor. This is why the statement noting potential problems in diabetics, obesity, or large breasts and the associated higher risk of mediastinitis is true. The other options aren’t correct: IMA grafts don’t heal faster than saphenous vein grafts, they are not never used, and they do not eliminate infection risk.