Angioplasty or bypass for heart blockage, which is better for you

If there is a blockage in the heart artery, doctors choose either angioplasty or bypass surgery for treatment.

If there is a blockage in the heart artery, doctors choose either angioplasty or bypass surgery for treatment. But which method is for whom depends on the age, type of blockage and the overall health of the patient. Indian cardiologist Dr. Rushikesh Patil gave details about these two methods and their requirements.

How angioplasty is done: Dr. Rushikesh Patil said that it is an alternative to bypass surgery, a non-surgical method. Usually, a sheath is inserted into the artery through the wrist or groin, and a catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin to reach the blocked coronary artery. Then a wire is inserted through the blockage and a balloon is inflated to expand the artery. A drug-coated metal stent is then placed to keep the artery open. The patient can usually go home from the hospital within 1–2 days.

When should angioplasty be done

If there is a blockage in a specific part of the artery (localized tubular or major vessel proximal);
If there is a risk of surgery due to age, frailty, or complications such as Parkinson's, lung, or kidney disease;
In an emergency situation such as a heart attack;
Those who have had previous bypass surgery that failed.

Bypass surgery: Dr. Rushikesh Pati said that coronary artery bypass grafting is an open-heart surgery. In this treatment, a new path is created for the blocked coronary artery using healthy blood vessels in the legs or chest. This allows blood to flow more easily. Usually, a hospital stay of 5 to 7 days is required and it takes about twice as long to fully recover.

When is bypass surgery needed

If there is severe coronary artery disease in more than one artery;
If you have diabetes or small artery disease;
If you have a blockage in the distal left main artery;
If angioplasty fails or complications occur.
However, bypass is usually not done in the emergency phase of a heart attack, unless there are mechanical complications such as septal rupture.

Doctor's advice: Dr. Patil says that it is better to choose angioplasty for a faster recovery and to reduce short-term risks. However, if you have diabetes or severe blockage in multiple arteries, bypass can be done as it has better long-term results. The doctor will make the right decision considering the type, number of blockages, the patient's age and overall health. Remember that making a quick decision is the most important thing for the health of the heart.