Second bypass surgery risks

Posted By Jill on June 19, 1998 at 11:03:49:







My father, age 67, just suffered a second heart attack.  Of the 5 arteries that were bypassed 11 years ago, 3 3/4 of them are blocked... or 70-75% is blocked. The main mammory artery is open.  During the first bypass surgery, a defibrillator was implanted if needed.  However, it was not needed and never used.  Because of this defibrillator, another bypass surgery was considered "too risky" as the doctors feel that it is pretty impossible to successfully perform surgery since it is embedded into the heart and can't be removed.  Now my dad has failed his stress test and the doctors are re-considering bypass surgery and angioplasty of the one blocked artery.  Can the defibrillator be removed?  Can a second bypass surgery be successful with this defibrillator in the way? Has this been done? Are there any other options available?  What can his quality of life be if he doesn't have surgery and is on meds?  What meds can help him in this scenario?  I'm very concerned and confused.  I'd appreciate you shedding any light on this complicated situation.  Thank you for your help.

[marea97]

A related discussion, 2nd bypas surgery was started.