LIMA
Also written as: LIMA — Left Internal Mammary Artery
Left internal mammary artery, commonly used as a bypass graft conduit in cardiac surgery.
Full Definition
The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is the preferred conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting, particularly for revascularization of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. The LIMA demonstrates superior long-term patency rates compared to saphenous vein grafts, with 10-year patency rates exceeding 90%. In cardiovascular imaging, LIMA grafts are evaluated for patency, flow characteristics, and potential complications such as string sign or competitive flow. The LIMA's excellent long-term durability makes it the gold standard for LAD revascularization in surgical patients.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from LITA (left internal thoracic artery), which refers to the same vessel using different anatomical nomenclature.
In Context
- "The LIMA-to-LAD graft showed excellent flow with no evidence of competitive flow from the native vessel." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "CT coronary angiography revealed a patent LIMA graft with normal caliber and enhancement." — Follow-up imaging report