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Question:
Is there a limit on the total number of stents that should be implanted?
History: I had a CABG about ten years ago following a heart attack. Since that procedure I have accumulated 16 cardiac stents, with the last two having been installed six months ago. Now, after a "three minute face time" visit with my cardio ten days ago, I am scheduled to for another cardiac cath 4 days from now with a "probable stent implant". I am currently a 64-year-old w/male, 6' 5" ht and 210 lbs.
My question is: Is there a limit on the total number stents that should be implanted? And, is this "typical" practice? If not, what other treatments could be considered? Thank you.
submitted by Frederick from Clearwater, Florida on 8/09/2014
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Neil E. Strickman, MD
No. It could be typical practice, depending upon the anatomy of the vessels. Repeat surgery carries a higher morbidity than repeat PCI/stent.
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Updated August 2014
