There are no artificial veins that can be used for coronary bypass grafts because the vessels are too small which causes artificial grafts of the same size to be very likely to clot off. Artificial grafts can be used to repair or bypass larger arteries like the aorta and the arteries in the pelvis since the blood flow is more brisk and the risk of clotting is much less in larger sized vessels. If the person you're referring to has no other options and is incapacitated by chest pain, then there are other alternatives like experimental growth factors and laser revascularization procedures that are being studied in clinical trials. For more information and for a possible evaluation here at CCF for bypass surgery, call the number below and ask for an appointment with Dr. Patrick Whitlow or Dr. Stephen Ellis. I hope you find this information useful.
Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.
Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem. Information contained within this forum is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.