Dr. Huynh Hoang Khang, head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Tam Anh General Hospital's Interventional Cardiology Center in Ho Chi Minh City, diagnosed Mr. Khue with triple vessel disease. His right coronary artery was completely blocked, and his left anterior descending artery and circumflex artery were severely narrowed. While his heart wasn't failing, its function was reduced to just over 50%. Triple vessel disease occurs when the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle) become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. Without prompt intervention, patients risk heart attacks, sudden death, heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular complications.

Due to the complexity of Mr. Khue's arterial damage, Dr. Khang determined that stenting was too risky. The surgical team opted for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). This procedure is suitable for patients with aortic atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, chronic lung disease, kidney failure, and older individuals.

Traditional bypass surgery requires stopping the heart, with a heart-lung machine taking over during the procedure. In OPCABG, the heart continues beating, leading to better outcomes, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and reduced risks of complications like infection, pneumonia, bleeding, arrhythmias, and stroke.

Dr. Khang and his team used Mr. Khue's internal mammary artery and saphenous vein to create three bypass grafts. Specialized instruments minimized movement in the targeted areas during the procedure. After over three hours, the surgery successfully restored blood flow, relieving Mr. Khue's chest pain and shortness of breath. He is now recovering well and has been discharged.

Dr. Khang examines Mr. Khue 4 days after the surgery. Photo: Ha Vu

Dr. Khang examines Mr. Khue 4 days after the surgery. Photo: Ha Vu

Triple vessel disease, a leading cause of heart attacks and sudden death in older adults, often progresses silently, only manifesting when severe. It's prevalent among middle-aged and older individuals, those with sedentary lifestyles, smokers, and people with risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and lipid disorders. Dr. Khang recommends managing cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing stress, limiting unhealthy fats, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking to prevent the disease.

Warning signs include chest pain during exertion, shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, shortness of breath while lying down, heart palpitations, and arrhythmias. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Thu Ha