Failed CABG

Hi all. So just over two years ago I had a double CABG. I required a graft to my LAD and OM2 artories.

Over the last 6 months I have been having some angina-like pains and have just had the results from a cardio CT scan which shows my OM2 graft has failed. However, the cardiologist reckons that this likely happened very early after my bypass due to the blood flow in my LAD being so good that the OM2 graft didn't get/require the flow it needed to sustain it ie it wasn't really required.

The thing is, my cardiologist now is not sure what to do. He reckons although I have a failed graft that the blood flow through the LAD is good and I don't show signs of disease requiring intervention. However, he has gone off for a second opinion just in case I do and may require a stent. In the meantime I don't know what to do! Should I be concerned? Had hoped to have put my days of worrying behind me, it seems not sadly.

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Hello

I am really sorry to hear this and I would imagine anyone would feel concerned

But if your Consultant thought something needed to be done asp you would be in there now

It seems like he feels the blood flow is good however he is doing the right thing asking for a second opinion which when he comes back with the decision unlike sometimes we feel we would like a second opinion whatever that decision maybe you know two skilled Consultants have made it and so that will be a positive

I hope he may have given you an idea when he will get back to you and if you have anymore questions you feel in either scenario you want to ask start writing them down now so you are prepared

Let us know how you get on x

[Chickenlou]

Really sorry to hear this Judge.

I don’t have any knowledge/advice on whether you “should” be concerned (although obviously you will be!) but fingers crossed the fact the LAD graft is working so well, is a good sign and you won’t need any further treatment.

Hope you get your second opinion soon - please keep us all updated and take care x

[Chappychap]

So sorry to hear this, it must be devastating to learn that a graft has failed.

The good news is that because the LAD artery is so critical, the surgeons normally use the mammary artery for the LAD graft. For reasons that still aren't fully understood the mammary artery is apparently pretty much bomb proof, extremely resistant to both graft failure and re-stenosis. But there's only one spare mammary artery, so the other grafts use veins, and we simply hope they will hold up to the much tougher environment of an artery, where turbulence and pressure are much higher.

Bottom line is that even though you've had an OM2 failure it's actually the LAD artery that's the more important, and that appears to be in great shape!

[Flyingchef]

I had a CABGX4. If that OM2 has to do with the circumflex artery. In my CABG, the circumflex was 70% and they did not bypass it. I asked why and was told that the LAD bypass and others would cover that artery and they were not concerned if it totally blocked. It would not damage the heart. So I was told. Just my two cents. Hope all goes Great with you.

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Thank you all for the kind comments and advice. Am waiting to hear back about the second opinion so will see what's what when they get back in touch. Am still concerned about what feels like the return of my angina pains but am going to try and be 'glass is half full' and keep positive.

[Seena2019]

My LAD was 100% occluded and it was found accidentally as I did not have any symptoms. I had collaterals developed(Natural bypass), unfortunately I took a hasty decision without going to multiple opinions and got it by passed. 6 months since my CABG i am struggling with breathing problems. Lost 20 Kg weight and so many other problems. I wish I had not gone for CABG.