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Question:
What is the success rate for a second heart surgery?
Hi, wondering if someone can answer a few questions for me. My father is facing his 2nd coronary artery bypass surgery. What is the success rate for a second surgery? How much harder is it on the patient?
submitted by Paula from Canada on 10/26/2011
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiovascular surgeon, J. Michael Duncan, MD
Hello, Paula. Your questions are good ones, but a bit difficult to answer without knowing your father's case in more detail. In general, however, second or "redo" coronary bypass procedures can be highly successful when performed by experienced surgical teams. Much depends on the patient's coronary anatomy and any other medical conditions of the patient which must be taken into consideration, e.g., kidney or lung disease. How much harder it is on the patient is highly subjective. Some patients find the surgery easier because they know what to expect, having been through it previously. All patients, however, are older during second operations. This may or may not be a factor in recovery.
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Updated October 2011
