Las Vegas, NV
A 65-year-old female asked:
i have coronary ramus artery occlusion. the md wants tomanage it medically rather than putting a stent. your opinion?
3 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Calvin Weisberger answered
Cardiology 51 years experience
Stent: You should ask your doctor to explain the therapy of CAD and when procedures like stenting are indicated and not indicated. The presence of the occluded ramus does not necessarily imply stenting is indicated.
4970 views
Dr. James Chapman commented
Cardiology 41 years experience
By "occlusion" I assume you mean 100% blocked. If it is totally occluded, then there is not any advantage to opening or bypassing it unless you are in the first 6-12 hours of a heart attack.
Aug 11, 2013
Dr. Bennett Werner commented
Cardiology 44 years experience
As the other doctors have said, stenting an occluded artery is "like closing the barn door after the horse is already out."
Aug 17, 2013
Dr. Alvin Lin answered
Geriatrics 30 years experience
Chest pain?: If you have chest pain, then stent will relieve it. If you have no symptoms, then medical management is now considered perfectly acceptable. That means optimal blood pressure, cholesterol & sugar plus aspirin, healthy eating, regular exercise & normal weight. Feel free to get 2nd opinion (not just mine) from another cardiologist (in different practice).
4970 views
Dr. Payam Mehranpour answered
Cardiology 23 years experience
Depends: Optimal medical therapy recommended regardless. If area supplied by this artery is fully damaged/scarred & you are not having symptoms then revascularization or stenting is not indicated. If symptomatic, a trial of medical therapy for symptoms is recommended. If symptoms continue despite medical therapy, option of stenting vs. Bypass surgery should be discussed further with your cardiologist.
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Last updated Oct 23, 2017
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