When does bypass surgery become necessary as treatment for CAD?

[Smooth Operater]

When does bypass surgery become necessary as treatment for coronary artery disease? Thanks!

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[Cards21aceking]

perhaps this would be better suited for the cardiology or internal medicine board, but i think the most straight forward answer is that a CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) is in order when there's a substantial blockage of the artery.

Oftentimes, patients may receive a angioplasty (ballooning of the vessels) or a stent (spring-loaded meshwork that pushes built up plaque against the walls of the vessel) before having a CABG. An initial step in this entire process is often an angiogram, where the cardiologist will shoot dye through the blood stream and observe if blockages do occur, and if they do, to what extent.

I'm pretty sure there's some specific criteria for stress tests and ejection fractions, but I dont know them off the top of my head.

 

[smq123]

When does bypass surgery become necessary as treatment for coronary artery disease? Thanks!

One criteria is blockage in multiple vessels. (I think the specific number is 3 vessels). In that case CABG is preferred over angioplasty. Also, if the patient has very poor L. ventricular function because of the MI.

 

[Tired]

Don't forget the diabetes research.

Also, try reading a book or looking at eMedicine. Or ask your doctor, especially if this is a personal question.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Don't forget the diabetes research.

Also, try reading a book or looking at eMedicine. Or ask your doctor, especially if this is a personal question.

Seeing who it's coming from......I wouldn't doubt it......

 

[Critical Mass]

It's never necessary. Haven't you heard that invasive cards has taken away all of the business from CT surgery?

 

[Anka]

The American Heart Association publishes guidelines on this topic. They change from time to time (and I believe a new revision is coming out soon given the data on late thrombosis with drug eluting stents). But, look up those guidelines. They are quite specific.

Anka

 

[pillowhead]

When does bypass surgery become necessary as treatment for coronary artery disease? Thanks!

3+ vessel disease
left main disease
diffuse disease not amenable to angioplasty

(check out any step 2 stuff for this)