Ayesha Yaqoob

Superior University

Title: Enhancing CABG Outcomes: Investigating Factors Influencing LIMA Flow and Caliber in a Pakistani Population

Biography

Ayesha Yaqoob is a cardiovascular perfusionist and educator from Pakistan, working at the intersection of clinical practice, research, and academic leadership. She currently serves as a Lecturer and Program Leader across cardiac and renal technology programs, where she trains future professionals in critical surgical techniques and advocates for hands-on, innovation-driven learning. With over five years of experience, Ayesha has contributed to research on coronary artery disease, MRI-based diagnostics, and patient satisfaction, and is actively involved in organizing a multidisciplinary international cardiac conference. Her work explores how surgical variables influence graft outcomes in coronary procedures, with a focus on improving quality of care. She is also a graduate of the AI4MED program, where she explored innovations like EMRs for clinical application. Passionate about bridging technology, education, and patient care, Ayesha aims to improve cardiovascular outcomes in low-resource settings through research, teaching, and global collaboration.

Abstract

Background: The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is widely recognized as the conduit of choice for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), particularly for grafting to the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Several factors—such as harvesting injuries, diabetes, hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and arterial disease—can influence LIMA flow and caliber, potentially impacting surgical outcomes.

Objective: To assess the association between clinical and intraoperative variables and changes in LIMA flow and caliber in patients undergoing CABG.

Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 patients who underwent CABG at Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital, Lahore, from October 2022 to January 2023. Flow and caliber of LIMA were measured intraoperatively via manual "bleed time" technique, with systolic pressure maintained at 120 mmHg. Variables evaluated included gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, arterial disease, LVEF, and harvesting injuries. Associations were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test.

Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of LIMA caliber should be considered essential for optimizing graft selection and technique. Incorporating LIMA angiography and addressing modifiable factors such as harvesting technique may improve CABG outcomes.