At times, a stent is also placed in the vessel to prevent it from collapsing or from having a blood clot form at the site of the blockage. If angioplasty is not indicated, either because of the site of the blockage or the degree of blockage present, the physician may recommend bypass surgery. This procedure involves a major surgical operation where a portion of a vein taken from the patient's leg or an artery taken from the chest is used to enable blood to flow around the blockage. If needed, several areas of blockage can be bypassed during this procedure. This surgery involves splitting the chest bone in order to gain access to the heart.
Hospital stays vary but usually involve at least one week.
A newer technique, called minimally invasive bypass surgery , which involves smaller incisions and does not necessitate opening the chest bone, is now being used for a small percentage of patients requiring coronary artery bypasses. Following discharge from the hospital-patients continue their recovery at home. It is not unusual for your physician to prescribe medications that you will need to take on a daily basis. These medications will vary depending on the extent of heart disease and other existing medical conditions. It is important to take the medication as directed and to report any unusual side effects to your physician.