Graft failure

[Cindymc]

My husband (49 yrs old) underwent bypass surgery and the surgeon used both a vein from the leg and an artery from the arm.  Two hours after surgery, there was a spasm of the radialartery graft to the posterior descending artery.  He suffered a massive heart attack (his heart was destroyed and so was mine) and he died a day and a half later. I was in such a state of shock, that I don't remember what the explaination was as to why this happened only that it does occur in 1% of bypass surgeries.  I am trying to make sense of this (and probably never will) as to why 5 bypass surgeries were performed that day and the youngest patient died.
What factors contribute to these failures?  What are the real stats?  My husband was active, but a smoker, had had a "mild heart attack" which brought us to this surgery, but was "jogging" the hospital hallway with our kids and helping them with homework the night before surgery, he was in good spirits, but VERY scared. I need help in understanding the clinical aspect of this - the other side, as some people have said, is that maybe it was "just his time to go"....Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated...Thanks.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I am sorry to hear about your husband. Unfortunately, death is a risk of bypass surgery and occurs in at least 1% of surgeries. Even though he was the youngest patient that day, his heart was much sicker than his age would indicate. THe fact that he was active the day before does not change the fact that his heart condition sounds like it was unstable. Very likely, there is nothing you, your husband or his doctors could have done differently to prevent this from happening. Even with all the advances in medicine and surgery, there is always a risk of death from surgery that cannot be eliminated.

[John Mc]

Cindy I'm replying to you just to let you know some one hears you. I underwent Bypass surgery at age 42 but came out with a ne w lease on life.

I send you my condolences and just have to say hang in there. I was asking myself why me at 42? But to some things there just may not be an answere. Look around you and see what you have got left  and pull strength from that your kids and family.

Good luck
John

[Cindymc]

John,  thank you for your kind words. I am happy that your surgery turned out well for you. I am surrounded by family and friends but my kids are my lifeline.  We have pulled together and are very close and protective of each other.  Although I have some bitterness, my main course in life is positive - I hope you and others at this site remain positive and look at your situation (successful surgery) as a second chance at life.  It's a long road to travel so hold tight to your family, stay healthy, and I wish you the best.  Take care.....

P.S. I got a heartwarming smile on my face when I saw your note - my husband's name was John...

[Ben, Ohio]

Cindy,
I just wanted to drop you a note. I hear and understand what you are going through.
I am 27/m that is 8 weeks post op from a Ross Procedure, (aortic valve was bad, RP moves the pulmonic to aortic and thgey put a cadaver valve in the pulmonic's place)

Age really doesn't mean much, when it comes to OHS and its many causes. I am a testament of that, as well as many that I have met since my surgery.

The "Why me's" are something that all family, and patients, go through after such a traumatising event as OHS. Put your faith in God and He will bring you through this whole situation.

God Bless,

Ben