Bypass arteries

[Der Biermeister]

Does it go without saying these days that the surgeon will automatically use arteries from your chest area or arm?? Or is there still a chance they may choose veins from the legs, which I understand have less longevity?

Do I need to discuss this with my surgeon?

 

[jeffp]

Wolfgang (and most of his group) prefer to use the left internal mammary artery for bypasses as it easy to harvest, is long lived, and avoids a second site for him as well as you. They don't like to use both the left and right as that has much more of a chance of compromised circulation to the chest wall later on. If you have multiple areas he may use the mammary artery for the larger vessel and a leg vein graft for the lesser vessels. I found him to be easy to talk to, so just be sure to ask. (if you don't ask, he won't know it's bothering you. You want to go in with the least amount of "other stuff" to worry about.

 

[RCB]

There you go again

There you go again

Does it go without saying these days that the surgeon will automatically use arteries from your chest area or arm?? Or is there still a chance they may choose veins from the legs, which I understand have less longevity?

Do I need to discuss this with my surgeon?

NO
YES and Maybe, but not in all cases
Yes, if it will make you feel better.

Der,
It is good to be aware of what's going on, but remember your going to be asleep during surgery and your surgeon will be doing the surgery!

Your surgeon went to 4 years of college, 4 years of med. school, then did a surgical residency of at least 3 years, a fellowship in throasic surgery of from 3 to 5 years. No profession is more highly trained than a heart surgeon- trust him. If you don't, get another one who inspires more confidence.

Your going to be fine, let him worry about which scalpel inserts to use.