Why can't the cardiac surgeon fix my blockage with a stent?

Expert cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Stephen Downing gets this question often and explains why not every blocked artery can be fixed with a stent.

[usmausmma]

Had chest pain so went in for diagnosis. Had a heart cath around 5PM and they scheduled me to be first in line for surgery the next morning. Had a triple bypass. Wasn't scared about it, simply surprised. That was seven years ago and I'm still here typ...

[gregpalumbo]

I have a 100% blockage of the LAD. Scar tissue blockage from prior silent MI event. I am told only a defibulator can work to protect me against severe MI. I'm struggling with the decision since I am otherwise in good health and not surgery oriented.

[caseyrose]

thank you for this awesome information doctor 🙏

[Mikau-gbuo]

I have 3 arteries blocked 90-90-80%.. surgery in few upcoming days.. super scared..

[e.miller]

I had a heart attack because of an 80％ blockage in my LAD. Because the blockage was so long, it required 2 stents.

[Valsa]

I can’t take aspirin as it makes my stomach hurt. Has blockage. What are my options?

[arjunprabhu]

Nowadays they ablate the blockage with a laser and then stent it.

[GirTheInvaderZim]

I can’t get a stint because my arteries are too small is what I’m told.

[ooooaas]

My mom had a bypass 3 years and it is blocked. Now her lad is blocked. The dr couldnt do the stents he wanted to put 25 stents but is scaered. He did nothing. Her blood supply is low

[joyislam]

My stent is blocked my cardiologist said he can fix it