Blockage

[LindaVS]

Is it common for 2 arteries of 3 in a triple bypass surgery to become blocked in 1 month's time?  What could be a reason for this?  The patient is a 54 year old male who had considerable coronary artery disease present at time of the bypass.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

LindaVS,

Thanks for the post.

Q:"Is it common for 2 arteries of 3 in a triple bypass surgery to become blocked in 1 month's time?"

The expected saphenous vein graft failure rate at 5 years is approximately 50%.  In other words, vein grafts on average last about 5 years.

Q:"What could be a reason for this?"

The most common reason for very early failure rate of vein grafts is mechanical/technical difficulty with construction of the graft.  Having written that, I have seen patients with early vein graft failure performed by the best surgeons in the world (where nothing seemed amiss) -- sometimes it just happens.

Hope that helps.

[Makaveli]

Well I had a friends Dad who had this surgery and 2 arteries of 3 in a triple bypass also became blocked. I don't think this is right, but I don't think it is uncommon. I can't tell you what the next step is because I have no clue, but I can say that the guy I knew is doing great now and he went through alot post surgery.
      I'd like to add one more thing if anyone can help me. I get a strange sensation in my chest that doesn't feel like "skipped beats" or "one hard beat"... almost like a very, very strange one beat feeling. I got it one day and it happened for hours, and last night I had one that felt so bad. I don't know how to describe, and I don't know what it is, I just no what it isn't...I'm almost positive it's not a PVC. I've done extensive heart examination and I don't feel like more tests... I was just wondering if any of these feelings sound abnormal to anyone? I know doctors don't reply to this so if any patient can put my mind at ease that would be great.

[LindaVS]

I failed to add that the patient underwent angioplast 1 week ago on both arteries and 2 stents were placed in each one.  I hope you know how much all of us appreciate the time you take out of your day to answer our questions!

[Clenn Camp]

Sounds like pvc's to me.  The way you are describing the beat(s) is the way pvc's make me feel.

Glenn Camp

[Dr. Erik]

Definetely PVC's.

[Makaveli]

Thank you so much... I really appreciate all the helpful comments. Is there a reason why PVC's come for hours one time, and maybe one bad one every few weeks or so? You don't have to awnser, I feel bad I am taking up so much space but as alot of people on here matters of the heart make me anxious (haha). I guess everyone thinks the worse, when usually it is nothing at all.

[va_tony]

What you describe (palpatations) could also be PACs or even AFIB.  PAF could, for example, last for hours every few weeks or so. The only way to be sure is to get an ekg reading during an event.  Ask your cardiologist's office for a Holter monitor or event monitor the next time this happens.