Full Metal Jacket/64-slice CT

Just wanted to ask those of you with more experience a couple of questions.  First, I recently found the phrase "full metal jacket" when doing some research on stents.  Hadn't heard this before, but got a little concerned considering I have 5 stents (4 side-by-side and a 5th under two of the previously mentioned 4) in my LAD.  At what point is it too late (i.e. full metal jacket) to do a CABG down the road?  Hope I'm not at that point since I've consistently told my cardiologists that I don't want them to do anything that would prevent me from being able to have a CABG down the road if necessary.  Also, I've read a lot on the benefits of doing a 64-slice CT rather than the invasive angiogram to determine blockage.  Is this possible for someone who already has stents, or will the existing stents cause too many problems to come out w/ a clear picture?  Thanks a lot, and take care all!

[jim62]

Don't know about the pictures, but I doubt that stents would cause any problems with bypass surgery.  I had 3 when I had mine, and nobody ever mentioned them.  They will be just like blockages in the arteries--bypassed.

[uk_chris]

There was someone who posted on here a while ago who'd had a stent positioned such that it prevented a bypass. I can't remember the details though.

[jim62]

I can't see a stent posing a problem.  After all, they're in your chest hacking away at arteries and stuff.  Seems like a stent could be removed if it was at a bad spot.

Investigation continues.................film at 11.

[uk_chris]

See the last post on thi following thread:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/cardio/messages/35505.html

[jim62]

Well, I guess I stand corrected??

[Jack54]

[Jack54]

I know that cardio/thoracic surgeons have to have a "target". I have 3.19 inches of my Lad stented starting at the beginning or ostial. So I have been interested in this subject. I think that anyone who is about to receive a stent or stents that will prevent bypass surgery should be told, while on the table.

My cardio told me 6 weeks ago "no more stents for you, now we are trying to keep you away from the surgeons". I am going to break the news to him that I am going for MID-CAB surgery evaluation and hopefully the surgery, at the Cleveland Clinic next month. I am having way too much angina after receiving a stent on May 26 th, 2007.

The first 3 inches of my Lad have some tiny and not so tiny branches. I wonder what will happen to these if the stents become fully closed after bypass surgery?

I was told by the CC doctor that placed my last stent that the only imaging technique is a cardiac cath, as far as checking for blockages in a stent. It is a matter of life or death and my last blockage would not have been detected if not for the IVUS technology

I have read where the 64 slice ct scan and/or the very latest MRI equipment can see "inside" the stent, but I would not bet my life on it.

May the force be with your many stents  :)

Jack

[Tarheelguy1967]

Thanks for the responses.  This is certainly an item of interest for me.  I hope to be able to avoid a CABG, but just seems that eventually that will be the requirement.  I'm just hoping to put it off for as long as possible, since I'm only 40 and have seen a few posts by people or their family whose bypass(es) have failed but can not do another due to a lack of available veins/arteries to do the procedure.  Jack, I wish you well w/ your trip to Cleveland.  If I ever do get to the point where I have to have the procedure, I think I will likely asked to be sent to Cleveland to have it done.  I really like my cardiologist in Kansas, but think the surgeons at Cleveland are likely the best in the world.  

[Tarheelguy1967]

Thanks for the link - I really hope I do not have this based on what I read......hope that they left room for a bypass if needed w/o having to do something radical.