Calcification

[chuck059]

Please explain is it difficult to have bypass surgery if you have diffuse calcification of the coronary arteries. What percent of people have this problem, also will a person with aortic atherosclerosis with aortic arch calcification also complicate any bypass surgery?

Are there any new procedures in the near future to help this problem?


Thanks,
Chuck059

[monikakalbande]

A related discussion, Calcified blockage was started.

[HarryKrishna]

A related discussion, Heart Calcification - Non Operative was started.

[anna4969]

A related discussion, calcification of the abdominal aorta was started.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Chuck,

As people age there tends to be more calcification of the heart arteries. Almost all people who undergo bypass surgery for atherosclerosis have some degree of calcification in their heart arteries. Some factors that would restrict bypass surgery being performed, include the lumen size of the vessel and whether or not there was good distal run off. Thus if a vessel is diffusely diseased with narrow lumen, bypass would probably be less successful.  

The presence of aortic atherosclerosis suggests that a person has atherosclerotic vascular disease. A heavily calcified aorta can present a problem during bypass surgery, as the aorta is usually cross clamped. If this is done in a heavily calcified region of the aorta small pieces of calcium may become dislodged and travel through the body. These small pieces of calcium can become lodged in other organs and extremities and create serious problems.  Hope this answers your question.


Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE