Opening 100# blocked arteries with Atrial fib

[revcforde]

How difficult will it be to open 100% blocked arteries that have been this way for likely ten years, in addition to having developed atrial fib?

My husband developed atrial fib two weeks ago while hiking in VT.  We returned to Houston, TX after an ECG in VT. Because he has two fully blocked arteries (LAD and RCA) treatment is limited.  No surgeon would Do cardio version and the beta blockers may or may not work or may make it worse.  Only Half the heart is being supplied with the blood it needs.  Instead, we are waiting for a date for cath/angiogram/place stents from One of the five cardio specialists (in U.S.) in opening fully occluded arteries who  is at our heart center.  

[ed34]

How difficult opening a 100% blockage is all depends on the cardiology team. I have been through this where 9 cardiologists turned me down whereas the 10th said he could do it with his eyes closed. Saying this, he still had a problem where the wire slipped and went through my artery wall which had to be quickly stented to stop the bleeding. As stated, your husband must have good collateral supply for him not to have a heart attack, but I would go further and say for him to be alive. If stents are offered as opposed to bypass, I would want a cardiologist with at least 20 years experience in such blockages. What you don't want is a cardiologist removing half of it and giving up.

[Ger57]

The blocked arteries have the higher priority over the afib.

How do you know that the arteries are fully blocked and how do you know that they are for 10 years?
Either the vessels are not completely blocked or some collateral vessels must have opened to supply your heart with the necessary oxygen, otherwise your husband would have suffered a heart attack.

It is hard to say how difficult it is to open the vessels. I may be easy, but can also turn out to be impossible. You will have to wait and see what the catheterisation brings. Good luck!