3 way by pass

[joe h]

my 63 year old brother had a 3 way cabg 2 months since. the by pass grafts were taken from his leg vein.Since then his leg swells up sometimes. Why is this, and how long will it last. thanks joe.

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

The leg swells because the superficial saphenous vein was removed and the bllod from the leg has to go back thru the deep veins and it takes them 3 to 6 months to  accomodate the increased flow.

[Mary_Ann]

Joe,
   The surgeons remove a large vein from the lower extremity to use to bypass the blockages in the heart arteries. The veins function in the leg is to get the blood back to the heart. Because the large vein in removed, the blood has to find a new pathway through smaller veins to get back to the main vein in the body. This takes some time.
Sometimes TED hose are recommended and keeping the legs elevated at times. He might mention this to his physician. If there is any pain involved, redness, discoloration to his feet or toes, or any other concerns, he should seek his physician immediately. You might recommend to him that he contact the physician's office and speak to his nurse/

[karmafl]

A related discussion, upcoming cabg by pass surgery was started.