My dad just had a triple bypass in June 2014. We found out this week that it failed. He now has one partially clogged artery to his heart available. They want to go in and clean it and stent it but it s risky. They say he can leave it be or try the surgery. He is otherwise healthy, non smoker and only 66. There has to be more options out there...am I missing anything?
Hello! Thank you for asking on Chat Doctor! Regarding your concern I would explain that dealing with clogged arteries after bypass, there are 2 options; the first option, more comfortable for the patient and less risky is undergoing PCI with stent implantation. PCI would be preferable to surgery if it is feasible. The other option is to redo bypass. This way is more unpleasant for the patient, more traumatic and has potential risk for complications (greater than the first operation). So, if the occluded artery supplies a viable myocardial territory, it is worthy to intervene and perform the revascularization.  Otherwise, watchful observation could be an option. Hope to have been helpful Greetings!