What are the potential risks associated with competitive flow in internal mammary artery grafts?
The potential risks associated with competitive flow in internal mammary artery grafts include luminal narrowing, decreased graft patency, and decreased graft diameter. Studies have also found that competitive flow from a patent native coronary vessel can be a risk factor for decreased graft survival. Additionally, postoperative flow characteristics of left internal thoracic artery grafts can be affected by competitive flow. Thus, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with competitive flow when deciding on the best course of treatment for a patient. 