Stents

Actually have two questions:
1.  If during a heart catherization you see a smaller artery that is 100% blocked, would you try to open it?
Because they did that to my husband and his artery cracked and bleed into the heart sac.

2.  If an artery is 65% blocked, is it common to have a stent put in or can you wait a while?  Actually, my husband has two that are 65% blocked.

*We live in Hong Kong.

[ChatterAlly]

There are so many variables on your first question. I have several smaller blockages they tell me they cannot stent. As for the 65% I beleive the golden rule is 70% unless there is a significant problem with the blockage.  Take care, Ally

[ed34]

With a 100% blockage it depends really on a number of things as to whether bypass is a better solution. If the blockage isn't too long, and the material isn't TOO hard, then a catheter wire can usually be passed safely right through it. It sound like the catheter slipped against the blockage in your husbands case and went through the artery wall. There are also other procedures which can be used to remove a 100% blockage without having to pass a catheter wire through the hard plaque, such as the newer lasers.
They do seem to have a rule of 70% or more should be treated, but you can get symptoms from less than that. If your husband feels fine with 65% blockages, in other words, he has no symptoms or medication is keeping him comfortable, then there is no need to stent.
However, it is likely they will grow. Some people with lifestyle changes can slow the progression right down, but it doesn't seem to work for everyone. he will know if they're growing because his symptoms will get worse.