Is placement of stent enough instead of open heart surgery after heart stroke?
Patient: Sir My Father in law -50 got heart stroke after tests doctor told us that with in 4 weeks need to do the open heart surgery.We taken that report and consult another 2 specilist they suggested that Stunt is sufficient no need heart surgery.We are unable to decide please suggest Doctor: Hi ThereI understand your concern as it's a big decision to make. As you have consulted many cardiologist and they have a different opinion so in this case it's important to see your father's angiogram first so as to see how many blockages are there and how critical they are and it's not wise to give my opinion with reviewing angiogram.However in general I can tell you that if the blockages are at multiple locations and have a diffuse course or if the Left main coronary artery ( also called widow maker)is affected it's advised to go for a bypass surgery. I know it's sounds dangerous to go for a heart surgery but studies have shown that bypass surgery gives slightly better long term survival rates in good surgeon's hands. Hope I have made my point clear that will help you decide.Good Luck