So my 76-year-old mom, who's diabetic, has been diagnosed with a triple vessel block and just had an acute anterolateral wall MI. I'm really worried and trying to figure out whether a stent or a bypass would be the better option for her. Could you help me understand the pros and cons of each? I'm kind of at a loss here and would really appreciate your guidance.
For a 76-year-old diabetic patient with triple vessel blockage and acute anterolateral wall MI, treatment options include: Stent Placement 1. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Stenting can improve blood flow, but may require multiple procedures. 2. Advantages: Minimally invasive, quicker recovery. 3. Disadvantages: Higher restenosis risk, potential for stent thrombosis. Bypass Surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting - CABG) 1. Surgical option: Bypass grafts reroute blood flow around blocked arteries. 2. Advantages: Higher success rate, lower restenosis risk, suitable for complex cases. 3. Disadvantages: Invasive, longer recovery, potential for graft failure.