Coronary Angioplasty, Stents, and Other Relics of the Paleolithic Age

Well, he sure took the long way around before getting to the point - which is prevention is preferred to procedures.  When writing, be brief and to the point.  This article can be summed up in 3 sentences - the rest is fluff.

My husband had open heart surgery in 2006. And has had stints put in. Are you telling me that was only like a band-aid! How long does a person live on average after they've had open heart surgery and mulitple stinks put in every couple of years? Also since my husband had surgery when he bends over he gets dizzy.

Dr. Davis explained his views on these procedures. I am in complete agreement with what was said about overuse. His final statement that prevention is the answer but falls far short in what constitutes prevention.  

I must admit that I was astonished to read Dr. Davis'

comments about by-pass surgery and the use of stents on a

clogged artery.  I am 83 years old, had by-pass surgery in

1983 and again in 1996.  I have been quite healthy during

the past twenty six years, playing tennis two times in

most weeks.  I am now scheduled to undergo a heart

catherization this coming Monday, Feb. 16, because my

Cardiologist tells me that recent tests have revealed that

my heart is pumping at about forty percent efficiency and

there is strong indication that my heart has been damaged.  I will not undergo another by-pass surgery, so

if a clogged artery is found, the Cardiologist will plan

to put in a stent.  I have never had a heart attack and

my previous surgeries were performed after a catherization showed the clogged arteries.  Having enjoyed such good

health these past 26 years, there is no reason for me to

think that the two surgeries did not make a substantial

contribution.  I would be pleased to have any comments

Dr. Davis might wish to offer.  e-mail dboonec2@bellsouth.net  Dan Clendening  

Coronary angioplasty is a procedure used to combat narrowing of the arteries that can lead to a number of serious outcomes, including strokes. Some of the main indications for coronary angioplasty include angina, congestive heart failure, dyspnea, and myocardial infarction. Coronary angioplasty is a less invasive procedure than many of the previous options available to doctors.