At age 78, is it wise to have veins and arteries removed to do a heart bypass for the second time?

The veins and some arteries have collapsed, and my heart surgeon has suggested another bypass. Will there be more problems if I have veins and arteries removed? Basically, is the procedure worth having? The first bypass was done in 1999 when I was much younger and could recover faster and easier. Also, at that time the veins were able to reroute easier.

Answers from doctors (7)


NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Published on Apr 14, 2016

Age is not deterrent to bypass surgery. If your surgeon has advised you to have another bypass, then he must have good reason to suggest that. No one removes arteries; the good veins are used to do the bypass.

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Answered by NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Age is not deterrent to bypass surgery. If your surgeon has advised you to have another bypass, then he must have good reason to suggest that. No one removes arteries; the good veins are used to do the bypass.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


This is a very complicated situation, and it is best discussed with your surgeon and cardiologist. If your prior bypass to your heart has failed, your life could be at risk. It is possible to remove multiple veins from the leg or arm to use as a bypass for the heart without any trouble.

Answered by NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center (View Profile)

This is a very complicated situation, and it is best discussed with your surgeon and cardiologist. If your prior bypass to your heart has failed, your life could be at risk. It is possible to remove multiple veins from the leg or arm to use as a bypass for the heart without any trouble.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 30, 2016

You have lots of veins that can be removed for bypass of blocked arteries. Arteries are never removed.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You have lots of veins that can be removed for bypass of blocked arteries. Arteries are never removed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 30, 2016

Only your surgeon can answer that question.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Only your surgeon can answer that question.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Mar 30, 2016

As a former heart surgeon, the answer is yes. They can be removed and revascularizing the heart is more important. Do not worry about the veins that are removed for bypass or the radial and mammary arteries used for bypass. Good luck on your heart surgery. Don't get foolish advice from anyone. Your heart surgeon knows best and should be entrusted with making the best decisions regarding your health.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

As a former heart surgeon, the answer is yes. They can be removed and revascularizing the heart is more important. Do not worry about the veins that are removed for bypass or the radial and mammary arteries used for bypass. Good luck on your heart surgery. Don't get foolish advice from anyone. Your heart surgeon knows best and should be entrusted with making the best decisions regarding your health.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor St. Louis Vein Center

Published on Mar 30, 2016

Coronary artery bypass is the most effective treatment for hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease. However, it has risks and should only be done when it is truly needed. The removal of the veins and arteries is usually the safest part of the procedure.

Answered by St. Louis Vein Center (View Profile)

Coronary artery bypass is the most effective treatment for hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease. However, it has risks and should only be done when it is truly needed. The removal of the veins and arteries is usually the safest part of the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Mar 30, 2016

If your doctor is suggesting it, then you probably need open heart surgery. I would not worry about the veins and arteries in the legs, rather the arteries getting blood in your heart.

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

If your doctor is suggesting it, then you probably need open heart surgery. I would not worry about the veins and arteries in the legs, rather the arteries getting blood in your heart.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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