Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

100% blocked artery from a failed bypass

Had a triple-bypass last November.  One of my bypasses collapsed and the affected artery became 100% blocked. Friday during a cardio-cath, my Doctor tried to place a stint in the affected artery to open the blockage.  The procedure failed because the plaque had hardened and was impenetrable. My cardiologist is trying variations in medications to alleviate the blockage but told my wife that even with the new blockage, I wasn't any more likely to have another heart attack than anyone else on the street.  I think that's garbage.  Anyone know for sure if that's a true statement or is it just an evasive response designed to avoid potential litigation?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
976897 tn?1379167602
I agree with your Doctor. If your bypass vessel has collapsed, then there is nothing which will come from this to cause a heart attack. For a heart attack you need a clot. For a clot you need damage or ruptured plaque.
Helpful - 0
63984 tn?1385437939
Approximately 10% of veins that are used in cardiac bypass fail the first year, and 10% fail every year from time of the surgery.  No one knows why they fail, but they do.
I doubt your doctor is afraid of litigation as vessel failure is a documented fact.  He/she is trying drug therapy to develop what are called collateral arteries, which are tiny vessels that can and do enlarge to take the place of the occluded artery in many if not most cases.  
I've just been through exactly what you have experienced, except all my bypasses failed, and I have gone through drug therapy.  I didn't develop collaterals, so a new stenting procedure was used to try and open my native arteries, which I'm thrilled to say was a success.  
Very possibly the bypass failed as the native artery continued to be the dominant vessel, not the bypass vein.  When that happens, blood tends to clot in the vein and it fails.  
I'd suggest to approach your treatment with an open mind and have a discussion with your Cardiologist.  If you are overweight, I'd suggest a diet.  If you are diabetic, I'd work to control it, and follow a heart healthy diet without any cheating.  Throw away your salt shaker, and don't eat processed food.  Above all, you must exercise.  A sedentary lifestyle simply is a guarantee of heart trouble.
Hope that helps, keep us informed.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.