The internal thoracic (mammary) nerve

The internal thoracic (mammary) nerve.

The internal thoracic (mammary) nerve is formed by contributions from the subclavian plexus and the phrenic nerve. It descends along the internal thoracic artery to the level of the seventh costal cartilage where it is lost. Some of its branches communicate with the intercostal nerves -and are thought to be distributed with these nerves. Others follow perforating and anterior mediastinal arteries.

Beta-adrenoceptor-mediated responsiveness of human internal mammary artery

The internal mammary artery (IMA) is currently the preferred conduit for myocardial revascularization. However, pre-operative vasospasm and a hypoperfusion state during maximal exercise may limit its use as a bypass graft. The mechanism of spasm has not been clearly defined. Since β-adrenoceptor activation plays a major role in vasorelaxation, the present study was carried out to investigate th...

Outcomes of Middle Cardiac Vein Arterialization via Internal Mammary/Thoracic Artery Anastomosis

OBJECTIVE Cardiac vein arterialization is seldom applied for treating right coronary artery disease. This study aimed to improve outcomes of cardiac vein arterialization in a porcine model using intramammary artery anastomosis. METHODS A chronic, stenotic coronary artery model was established in 12 of 14 Chinese experimental miniature pigs of either sex, which were randomly divided into equal...

Thoracic paravertebral nerve block.

Bilateral skeletonized internal mammary versus single-pedicled internal mammary grafting in the elderly.

BACKGROUND The use of the bilateral internal mammary arteries has been reserved mainly for younger and low risk patients. AIM To assess the safety and efficacy of BIMA grafting in older patients (> or = 70 years). METHODS We reviewed the records of all consecutive patients > or = 70 years old who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery with a BIMA graft in our institute over a 2 year perio...