Which one should you Choose- Bypass Heart Surgery or Stents?

1. Which One Should You Choose- Bypass Heart Surgery or Stents? People suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD) need to adopt a combined approach that involves medical therapy along with risk factor modification to cut down the risk of heart attack. Also, such approach can prove tremendously useful in controlling the symptoms of angina, if any. In a majority of cases, medical therapy alone is not sufficient. As a matter of fact, medical therapy has been supported with revascularization therapy. In the revascularization therapy, the regions of major obstructions present in the coronary arteries are treated with the help of two methods namely, 1. Angioplasty and a stent 2. Bypass surgery, also known as coronary bypass grafting (CABG) Hence, in case, you are diagnosed with CAD, you and your doctor should take a few questions into account to ensure better and speedier recovery, that include Question 1: When is medical therapy is chosen as a primary treatment protocol? When do the needs for revascularization arises? In a majority of patients with CAD, medical therapy along with improved lifestyle should be the approach of choice. Medical treatment is quite useful in patients who have stable angina. Not just it can prevent the risk of heart attacks in patients; it can significantly diminish the risk of cardiovascular death too. So, in such cases, medical therapy is regarded as the best treatment of choice. Having said that, many patients need to undergo a revascularization therapy. This type of therapy is considered in patients with:

2. A previous heart attack episode (acute ST-Segment elevation myocardial infarction  (STEMI). Unstable angina that does not become stable with medical therapy alone. Stable angina  that beyond control despite maximal medical therapy, CAD anatomy  All such symptoms apparently put patients in a category where the treatment method of revascularization can offer better results and increases the chances of survival than medical therapy. Question2: In case revascularization is recommended, should it be with stenting, or with CABG? After the doctor confirms the need for a revascularization therapy, the next decision is to choose between the two treatment methods namely, angioplasty and stenting or CABG- Which one is better? When are stents preferred? Stenting is performed over CABG in patients with STEMI. Simply because it is a faster way to open the blocked coronary artery. Usually, patients suffering from a variety of acute coronary syndromes are suggested to go for stenting. Also, stenting proves useful in patients with stable angina who have stopped responding to medical therapy. In addition, stenting is the best treatment method for patients who have CAD involving a single coronary artery. Furthermore, Stenting is recommended for people with stable angina and have two- vessel CAD, unless they also have diabetes or their coronary artery anatomy. When Is CABG Preferred?

3. Statistics prove that CABG can yield better long-term results in patients with 3-vessel CAD. Also, CABG is preferred over Stenting in patients with disease of the left main coronary artery. However, patients who have ACS owing to a blockage in the left main artery should go for stenting as it is safer and faster alternative. CABG has better results in patients who are suffering from 2-vessel CAD along with diabetes. As a final point, in general, people who are revascularized with CABG need not repeat the procedure frequently when compared to patients who received stents. Bottom Line is: CABG should be considered the primary mode of therapy for most people who need coronary artery revascularization, and who have severe triple-vessel CAD or a significant blockage in their left main coronary artery, CABG should be considered the primary mode of therapy. Whereas, stenting is preferred in patients who have ACS, or have a single-vessel CAD. Besides, stenting can prove helpful in with 2-vessel CAD who do not have diabetes. To conclude, before opting a treatment protocol, whether stenting or heart surgery in India , you should discuss your heart condition along with complications if present in detail with the concerned doctor. It will help you choose the best treatment method to cure your disorder either permanently or to a great extent.