Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC) Practice Exam

Graft spasm is a recognized and common complication associated with the use of arterial grafts such as the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) or radial artery in cardiac surgeries. This spasm can occur due to the inherent contractility of the arterial smooth muscle and might be influenced by factors such as surgical technique, manipulation of the graft, and even postoperative conditions.

When graft spasm occurs, it can lead to a temporary reduction or cessation of blood flow to the area being supplied by the graft. This can potentially jeopardize the tissue perfusion and overall success of the procedure, making it a significant consideration during and after surgery.

Other complications like infection at the site or delayed healing can occur but are generally more associated with venous grafts or other surgical procedures. Thrombosis of the graft, while a serious complication, is more related to factors such as hypercoagulability or poor flow and is a separate issue from the immediate response seen with spasm. Thus, while all options represent potential complications, graft spasm specifically is a notable and frequent complication in the context of arterial grafts like LIMA and radial artery usage.