r2i forum

Hello All,

My dad might have a need to go in for by-pass surgery due to 3 blockages as found in the
coronary angio report. (done at Billroth hospitals)

Does anyone know good cardiac specialists & good hospitals for this in Chennai?

Thanks.

How old is your father? What were his symptoms. I'm not a doctor but there's more consensus now that alternate treatments based on medication may be equally beneficial, if there's no immediate risk to the patient. Like any surgery, bypass has risks and there's a long recovery time.

If you decide to go for surgery, i would suggest to go with Apollo. They've the most experience in Chennai. Dr. Girinath has been the surgeon for last 20+ years (if he's still operating). Surgery is always a team effort. Apollo used to have package deals for bypass. Depending on room type, the price will vary. Surgeon charges will depend on what type of room you choose. It usually involves 10 days stay in hospital. And atleast 3 months recovery time.

So first go meet a cardiologist at their Greams Road office to get another opinion if surgery is really required.

Thanks. 63 yrs and diabetic insulin dependent (under control). No major symptons other than reduced ability to walk longer during morning walks (per him).

Yes, plan is to consult with at least 2 specialist.

In general, By pass surgery or CABG is indicated when the patient has Left main coronary artery disease or a 3 vessel disease. The other indications are 2 vessel disease with severely impaired left ventricular function and diabetics with 2 vessel disease or worse. Ofcourse, the blockages must be deemed significant.

Since your father has 3 vessel disease and is a diabetic- he will in all probability need a CABG.

By all means, get a second opinion-be wary of the cardiologists - I have seen a particular cardiologist put in multiple stents when the patient clearly needed a by pass surgery. ( This was before all the new studies comparing CABG and the drug coated stents in high risk patients- some indicating equal benefit in less complex lesions). Drug coated stents are expensive- each will cost about 1.5 lakh (and a big kick back to the cardiologist) and risk of re-occlusion- while bypass surgery will probably cost around 1 lakh.

Disclaimer- I am not a cardiologist. I have only worked closely with this one particular cardiologist.
PS- There is controversy regarding the need for CABG in patients with stable angina/minimal symptoms.

Thx Cabo, I am ye tot get an update from him on his consultation with a cardiologist.

I am posting some lines from the Coronary Angiography report... (Oops started typing but there is more covering each artery than I can type here.) If you are willing to run it by your cardiologist contact, I can send this report scanned to your email.


"Left main coronary artery (LM):
Left main coronary artery appears normal except for an eccentric wall calcification in the distal LM a the level of trifurcation. Its seen trifurcating into LAD, ramus intermedius and LCX.

Left anterior descending artery (LAD): Type III LAD, A long segment of myocrdial bridging of ~6 cm in length is seen just beyond the origin of D1 with diffuse long segment luminal narrowing. No significant plaques notes in the bridged segment. Diffuse disease with mixed calcified / non calcified plaques are seen in the LAD beyond the bridging..... "

Dr Sridhar at Apollo@ Greams Rd {main}

Cardio Thoracic Surgery
Dr. C. S. Vijayashankar, apollo, Chennai did bypass surgery to one of my relatives. He is one of the best in Tamil Nadu.

Professional Qualification

MCh
Areas of Specialization

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Aortic Surgery Aneurysm

Aortic Surgery Dissectomy

Aortal Disorders

International Work Experience

Harefield Hospital, England

Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA

Mayoclinic, Rochester, USA

Memberships and Fellowships

Fellow in Coronary Artery Surgery at the University of Wisconsin, USA, 1983-1987 and 1993-1994

Fellow in Congenital Heart Surgery for 6 months at Children's Hospital, University of Wisconsin, USA, in 1986

Barylor College, Houston, USA for three months

Hi
Check out with Dr. Paul ponraj at the apollo hospitals in Vanagaram .ctc number apollo at Vanagaram branch or Dr paul mobile
98410 1359.
prem lamech