What are rates of living on only one artery

[sydney2007]

A 71 year young man had a triple by-pass surgery.  When the surgeoun cut him open he found out that since the man has had radiation treatment around his heart he was only able to by-pass one artery.  Using the LIMA to graft.  This man is over weight and has been a smoker for 40 years.  What are his chances of living with one artery if he stops smoking?

[Al Dente]

I would say it all depends on overall health, risk factors, and risk modifications.  Never smoke, statins, and other heart meds are important.

My grandmother had a 2nd set of bypasses at 84.  She had only 1 native artery available, and the surgeons used a cadaver vein.  She's doing well at 90 and her risk factors are very well controlled.  

[Forum-M.D.-MM]

Hi Syndney,

I am sorry to hear that they weren't able to bypass all the blockages.  Sometimes after radiation treatment, areas around the heart including the arteries can build up calcium deposits that make surgery difficult.

It is very important that all risk factor modification take place and smoking is very important.  I can't really estimate how long this might prolong his life, but it is very important that he does it.  This also includes diet, exercise, medications (statins, beta blockers, and potentially ACE inhibitors).  

I hope this answers your questions.  Good luck and thanks for posting.