Angioplasty

[Terry527]

Hi
I had a CABG about 3 years ago, and still I am having on and off chest pains and cardiac related problems. Recently underwent another angiogram and discovered my Circumflex had a blockage and it has to be done a stenting procedure. But my Cardiologist couldn't do it through the right leg as I had developed heavy scar tissues due to 3 angiograms done in the past.. Some doctors denied this failure. But I have a bit of doubt , the reason being when they done an angio they used a plug to close the wound. I don't know whether it is in the way still . Then my cardiologist tries to do it through the other leg and he thinks it is bit complicated and complex. I would like to know basically 3 things. How complex it is to do wtih the left leg, 2.Why he couldn't access my feomaral artery from the right leg, whether it is scar tissues or the wound closing plug. 3.the complications invloved in accessing the feomaral artery through the left leg.

[ed34]

scar tissue doesn't really cause problems, I've had 5 entries through the same area and to be honest it is getting more painful even when they inject the anaesthetic but doesn't hinder progress. They  can go slightly above or below your scarred tissue, the artery is still accessible. Some, but not all, cardiologists can go through the arm. Ivfrogs is absolutely correct when he says that the angioseal dissolves within 90 days. Each time I have angioplasty, they simply give me a slightly higher dose of anaesthetic and morphine.

[lvfrogs]

Hi Terry,
I can't answer these questions completely, just give you my experience.  You need to ask your cardio doc these questions, which are very good ones.  I had two heart caths in two months. The seal is completely gone by 3 months, it dissolves, so the seal is definitely not there. I don't know about scar tissue, although, that sounds reasonable that it could happen. My first one was in my right leg and my second one, they had to go in my left leg.  My doctor said it is more complex because the artery is not a straight shot like the right leg artery is. The left leg has to curve around, however, they were able to do it.  No complications for me from doing the left leg.  I have read that they can also do it through the arms now. So that is another consideration you could bring up with your doctor. Good luck and hope to hear good news.