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Question:
Have you ever heard of a LIMA graft that failed to mature?
Hi, I have heard my LIMA graft failed to mature and I have heard that it only grows as much as it is needed. I was wondering if at the time they put the stent in because they said the LIMA failed to mature, if the LAD might have been bigger and that's why they said it failed? My LAD is very small and diffused now. Have you ever heard of a LIMA graft that failed to mature ? It is open but very small. Thanks.
submitted by Chris from Illinois on 8/11/2012
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiovascular surgeon, Denton A. Cooley, MD 
Hello, Chris. Yes, although rare, there are instances when a LIMA graft fails to enlarge and mature. This usually occurs when it has been implanted into and is feeding a very small native LAD coronary artery. Medications, for example, vasodilators, may help.
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Updated August 2012
