First triple-vessel bypass

The patient was diabetic, hypertensive and had critical blocks in all the main coronary arteries. All three of these critical blocks were bypassed with the operation, which was performed by using an Octopus Stabiliser.

The 72-year-old patient was reported to be making steady recovery and has been shifted to the ward. When admitted to the hospital, a coronary angiogram had revealed a critical 95-99 per cent block in the main artery (Lad) supplying the heart, the cause for the heart attack. In addition, the patient had blocks in his other arteries because of his diabetic status.

Angioplasty and bypass are mechanical “fixes” to what is essentially a biological problem. While both procedures can remove the immediate concern of blocked arteries, their effect on the long-term progression of CAD depends upon a large number of variables. One advantage of angioplasty is that it is much less invasive and can be repeated should the disease progress and lead to more blockages. But both procedures have been helpful in relieving chest pain, increasing the quality-of-life and reducing the possibility of more dangerous manifestations of the disease.