Ultrastructural and histomorphologic properties of the internal thoracic artery: implications for coronary...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Vascular Histomorphology
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery is a standard treatment for coronary artery disease.
• The internal thoracic artery (ITA) is often the preferred graft due to its resistance to atherosclerosis compared to saphenous veins or radial arteries.
• However, cardiovascular risk factors may lead to preatherosclerotic and atherosclerotic lesions in ITAs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the histomorphological characteristics of the ITA.
• To compare the histomorphology of ITAs with other commonly used coronary artery bypass grafts.
• To review histopathological, histomorphometrical, and ultrastructural findings in ITAs from patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current knowledge on ITA histomorphology.
• Comparative analysis of ITA histomorphology with other graft vessels.
• Review of studies on ITA histopathology, histomorphometry, and ultrastructure in relation to cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

• The ITA generally exhibits less atherosclerotic development than other grafts.
• Preatherosclerotic lesions like intimal/medial thickening and medial fibrosis can occur in ITAs.
• These changes are associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as aging, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.

Conclusions:

• Understanding ITA structural characteristics and their correlation with cardiovascular risk factors is crucial.
• Preatherosclerotic and atherosclerotic changes in ITAs may compromise myocardial revascularization and graft survival.
• Further research is needed to improve scientific knowledge on ITA structural integrity and its impact on graft outcomes.