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Avatar universal

too many stents

I have between 16 and 22 stents in one artery, I know that sounds crazy. I had a hack substitute doctor while my usual cardiologist was on vacation... couldn't wait till he returned. This individual stamped out stents like railroad track to the point that now my cardiologist says I'm no longer a candidate for bypass surgery (stents from end to end) . I now have heart palpitations which I never had before and am likely experiencing re_stenosis my cardiologist tells me there is a radiation procedure to open up my artery but that's the only option. Anyone here heard of the procedure or have any other alternative information?
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Avatar universal
Thanks, I'm attaining my medical records to get a second opinion but I don't expect any other results, I think it's my only option, another comment was they could induce a heart attack in the hospital and basically I guess just kill that part of my heart and get on with it to relieve the chest pain in a controlled environment, now that sounds barbaric... doc says unless I was a marathon runner I probably wouldn't notice any impact to daily living.... that sounds scary. I just called yesterday to see if they can do something as I feel a blockage coming on.... popped a nitro yesterday and naturally the chest pain subsided. I'm only 53 what a nightmare
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976897 tn?1379167602
seems kind of ironic doesn't it. They say too much radiation can cause cancer, and then what do they fight the cancer with? yes, more radiation. Makes the mind kind of bounce around.
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63984 tn?1385437939
I've got quite a few stents, and was given some paperwork each time that described the stent, where it was located, etc.  
This record is important if you need a CAT scan, etc.  If you haven't received this record, I'd request it.
If you have had that many stents, you have received a great deal of radiation already from the procedure.  I'd ask the question how much radiation you have had, and if the new procedures would have danger to you.  Keep us informed.
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976897 tn?1379167602
Hi, yes I've certainly heart of it. They basically deliver a catheter containing a radioactive substance to the blocked area and hold it there for 2-5 minutes. The beta radiation destroys the excess tissue, and inhibits the overgrowth of new tissue. This may sound barbaric and scary, but it has been quite effective in many cases. Keep in mind how tiny that radioactive source is, it's delivered into your artery which probably has an opening of no more than 3mm. I believe that research has been carried out showing very promising results from impregnating a balloon with radioactive chemicals. This means the radiation is delivered at the same time the stent is fitted.
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