Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery

[Kimberle__0]

  I cannot, unfortunately, give you the medical details of my Step Father's EXACT medical condition, as I am an entire continent away from him, and have only the information I am told over the phone.
  But I can tell you that about 2 1/2 weeks ago, he was taken to the ER w/stroke symptoms (right side symptoms/left side stroke). His conditioned worsened WHILE in the hospital, but has now stabilized.
  He was scheduled, prior to the stroke, to have an angioplasty done that week, however, it's been postponed until his condition improved. When he stabilized, they went in to do the procedure, but
  could not proceed, as it was discovered he will need QUADRUPLE BYPASS SURGERY.
  They decided that he needs to recover for atleast 2 weeks from the stroke in the hospital, and then recover at home for an additional 4 weeks (approx) before they will perform the bypass surgery.
  Also.. they discovered that he is diabetic as well.  He is 72 years old, and prior to all this..outwardly.. was the picture of health. Hard worker, ate well, active, etc. You would never guess he was
  in his 70's by looking at him. However, reality is that he IS.
  I have been doing a lot of reading on the internet, and the subject of MINIMALLY INVASIVE BYPASS SURGERY has come up in nearly
  every document I have read. Many success stories, etc etc.
  My Questions to you are:
  1.  Is my step father a candidate for this procedure?
  2.  Is this procedure done on patients needing quadruple bypass? Has it ever been done in a quadruple bypass situation?
  3.  Do you know of any doctors either that you work with, or that you are aware of, that perform this surgery that would
      be able to give my Mom some information about this procedure?
  4.  Do you have an opinion about Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery?
  I know that his risk of another stroke post operatively is increased for him, and I've read that this procedure may reduce that risk.
  Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
  Thank you, also, for this WONDERFUL service you provide.
  Sincerely,
  Kimberlee Petersen

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Kimberlee,
My Questions to you are:
Q: Is my step father a candidate for this procedure?
A: This would depend on his specific coronary anatomy.  Usually it is reserved for individuals with uncomplicated coronary artery disease with only one or two blockages.  I would suspect he is not a candidate.
Q: Is this procedure done on patients needing quadruple bypass? Has it ever been done in a quadruple bypass situation?
A: No.
Q: Do you know of any doctors either that you work with, or that you are aware of, that perform this surgery that would be able to give my Mom some information about this procedure?
A: No.
Q: Do you have an opinion about Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery?
A: In selected patients it reduces recovery time and post-surgical discomfort.  It is not the surgery for everyone however.

Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please Call 1 - 800 - CCF - CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.