Question Title: BYPASSS

Forum: The Heart Forum
Topic: Catheter

Posted by CCF Cardio MD SK on October 16, 1997 at 13:36:38:

In Reply to: BYPASSS posted by MARY GIAMBRA on October 13, 1997 at 16:40:03:

: Hi, My husband goes to the Veterans. They sent his files to the veterans hospital in
Cleveland where he has never been, in order to get another opinion from them, and thats
where they would do the operation. They want him to have open heart surgery and I
want to see what you think. He is sixty-six years old and has adult diabetes for which he
takes pills. He also has atrial fibrulation. They found out by accident about his needing
the surgery, he seldom has pains. anyway, they say there are three main arterys and one
is clear, one is 75% block and the other one is 100% block. They discovered this when
they did the heart catheter. Do you think surgery is the
best way? thanks

Dear Mary,

Presence of severe blockages without significant chest pain, especially with diabetes, is not uncommon. He does seem to have significant blockage according to your description. In his case, the surgery would be indicated to prolong life rather than relief of symptoms (which he does not have). The recommendation to have surgery is dependent on,

1. Severity of blockage: If the blockage involves all three arteries or the main artery on the left, with some damage to the heart, by pass surgery is clearly indicated. It is very important to exactly know where and how severe are the blockages before making recommendation for an individual patient.

2. If the pumping function of the heart is not normal along with the blockages, by pass surgery is warranted.

I hope I have answered some of your questions. If you are seeking a second opinion or further evaluation, an appointment with one of our cardiologist can be arranged by calling the Cleveland Clinic at (216) 444-6697.

Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your family physician(s).

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