decision on stents or heart bypass

[Graham3768]

I have to make a decision against stents or heart bypass

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am glad that the decision was made for me I was just told a triple heart bypass but had they given me a choice I am not sure how I would have made a decision

I think I would have made two list of pros and cons to each and see which came out looking the best option

Has your consultant given you any advice ?

I know Bypass operations seem frightening but they are not as bad as you think yet having stents in is quicker with a quicker recovery

I think if you have not already ask your Consultant long term what would they suggest would be the best for you personally

I hope others will come and share their experiences with you and I hope you make the right choice for you

Let us know how you get on x

[Stentsandrun]

Welcome to the forum - think you might need to give us a bit more information about your medical history, maybe fill in your Bio? As far as I am aware most people follow the recommendations of their cardiologist I presume you have had his opinion? Seems a bit odd to be honest especially as you are obviously not able to make this decision yourself? I am sure of you give us some information you will get some useful advice.

[Sd26]

In some cases (like mine) there are two viable options. I had my case referred to the hospital's MDT committee and the response was stenting was the preferred option. That doesn't mean the surgeons who recommended bypass were wrong.

The minimally invasive approach of stenting suited my preferences. I am less brave than others on this forum.

So you could ask your Cardiologist whether your case could be referred to their MDT and you could get a broader cross section of views. Good luck.

[stevetheadi]

I would ask my cardiologist what he/she recommends and take their advice.

[Agatha234]

Sometimes the location and severity of the blockage can make bypass the only option if you are appropriate for surgery. Having stents are much easier but you could then go onto needing a bypass. I think your cardiologist should be giving you options and reasons for them. It must be a really worrying and unsettling time for you and I hope you get it sorted ASAP.

[DWizza]

Based on what ? Angiogram? What did the consultants recommend? They have the discussion about your condition then give you the pros and cons. I had nstemi heart attack July 2023, angiogram and was told that stents weren’t an option by the doctor carrying out the angiogram. He says my case would be referred for discussion with the consultants who would decide on best course for outcome. I had quadruple bypass surgery. New pipes 🙌🏻🙌🏻❤️❤️. Loving my rebirth .

[Thesnowman51]

I was also given the choice between CABG and stents. The more critical stent was near an arterial junction, so they admitted it might be tricky to perform. I was rather surprised that I was offered the option and it was my decision. The question was asked immediately after the angiogram. I said I required more time to consider the options. I decided to go with the CABG and have not regretted that decision. Most doctors when asked will confirm that stents are only a temporary fix

[MoretonCross]

Having recently had the surgery, that's the way I would go knowing what I know now. I'm 78, fit, healthy, and not overweight and it was nothing like I expected. Not to say it's a breeze, the first couple of weeks after the op I felt a bit fragile, but I very quickly picked up, took it easy for a month, then started to go for walks when the weather allowed. Improvement followed on a daily basis,and by week nine my sternum had knitted together, the scar was fading, I felt really well, and the surgeon signed me off as a done deal. I must stress that I was in good nick before the surgery though, non smoker and non drinker of alcohol plus my weight was not a factor due to a decent diet and exercise. I believe these to be important factors in recovery from open heart surgery, as it's generally known. Hope this helps, and good luck to you.

[Vegart]

Hello, Graham3768, having to choose between stents and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Operations is difficult. However, your decision making might be affected by whether you live with another able adult to support you after a CABG Op, how you react to certain medicines, bow well you cope with pain, what post-op support is available, and whether you could cope with not being able to drive for 6 weeks, after a CABG.

[GoodTea]

Hello Graham,

The following article gives a reasonably up-to-date overview of the issues to consider when the choice between stenting or having bypass surgery is not clear cut:

verywellhealth.com/stents-o...

In my case, because of the nature of my coronary artery disease, the decision was clear cut: a triple bypass (although my preference was for less invasive surgery).

I asked one of my cardiac consultants what he would do in my situation and he talked through the various factors involved in my case. If you get the chance, ask your cardiac consultant surgery that kind of question as your situation is different from mine.

After the explanation, it was clear to me why CABGs (coronary artery bypass grafts) were preferable and I felt much more positive during the wait for the operation.

Now I'm 9+ months on from the operation and feel extremely privileged for the excellent treatment I received in Hammersmith Hospital. I am now fitter and healthier than I've been in over a decade and am extremely glad that I had my CABG.

[RegularWalker]

My stents after my HA 7 years ago have served me well, no more problems and I'm 80. The whole procedure - investigation and treatment - took one hour and I went home the same day. The doctors don't know exactly what's wrong until they carry out angioplasty. If you opted for stents then it was found you need open heart surgery, what's to lose? Probably unfair to ask you to make the decision but I'd go for the stents if they were offered, rather than more invasive surgery.

[Jako999]

I had no choice it was a quad CABG. If I had the choice I would have gone with the bypasses anyway. Yes it’s way more dangerous but I always think why repair something that really needs replacing? Twice I have had injections in my elbow and in the end I had to have it operated on, all the pain and wasted time, when it happened to the other elbow I said just operated and they did. Had it have been my heart I would have been dead but after saying that you must make up your own mind being influenced by others will only lead to regrets no matter what happens.

Good luck with your choice and which ever you go for I hope all goes well and a speedy recovery👍❤️